Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
=
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WASTE DISPOSAL APPARATUS
[0001] This is a divisional of Canadian Patent Application Serial No.
2,915,353 which
is a divisional of Canadian Patent Application Serial No. 2,791,742 filed on
November 25, 2011 which is a divisional of National Phase Patent Application
Serial
No. 2,579,281, filed on September 2, 2005.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001a] The present invention relates generally to waste disposal devices
using
packs of flexible tubing, and more particularly, to improved health care
apparatus for
the sanitary and odorless packaging and disposal of diapers and similar or
related
waste, medical waste, industrial waste and any other waste wherein sanitary
and
substantially odorless disposal is desired.
[0002] The present invention also relates to replaceable cartridges of tubing
for a
waste disposal device and rotation mechanisms for rotating such a tubing
cartridge,
some of which provide for automatic rotation of the tubing cartridge.
[0003] The present invention also relates to waste disposal devices using
packs of
flexible tubing and including a compacting mechanism which compacts the waste.
[0004] More specifically, the present invention is related to a waste disposal
device
including an external actuation mechanism to operate a cartridge.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0005] In households having an infant or very young child wearing disposable
diapers, a diaper pail is usually placed in the bathroom or nursery for the
receipt and
disposal of soiled diapers.
[0006] One prior art construction of a diaper pail comprises a large garbage
can-like
container which receives a plastic bag. The bag is inserted into the interior
of the
container, with the upper portion thereof being folded over a top rim of the
container
to maintain the bag in engagement therewith. A cover member is attached to the
container and is movable between a closed position in which the cover member
is
situated over
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the top rim of the container to cover the open end of the bag, and an open
position in
which the open end of the bag is uncovered and thereby enables the placement
of a
soiled diaper into the bag. A foot pedal is provided and coupled to the cover
member to
enable the cover member to be moved from the closed position to the open
position by
depressing the foot pedal,
[0007] Another prior art diaper pail is sold under the trademark "Diaper
Genie". Diaper
pails of the Diaper Genie.TM. type are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,869,049
(Richards et
al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,590,512 (Richards et al.), .U.S. Pat. No. 5,813,200
(Jacoby et al.),
U.S. Pat. No. 6,128,890 (Firth) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,170,240 (Jacoby et al.).
[0008] The diaper pails shown in these patents generally comprise a container
formed
with an internal ring-shaped flange. A tubular core or cartridge rests on the
flange and
houses a continuous length of flexible, substantially non-resilient plastic
tubing. A twist
rim is rotatably coupled to the cartridge such that rotation of the twist rim
causes twisting
of the tubing. Means are provided to hold a diaper stationary when the twist
rim rotates
to twist the tubing and seal an end of the diaper to form a twisted closure. A
cover is
removably attached to the container and includes a lid. To prepare the diaper
pail for
use, the cover is removed, an end of the tubing is removed from the cartridge
and
pulled upward and tied into a knot The knotted end is then placed into the
container
over an annular flange to form a waste insertion reservoir or chamber bounded
by the
tubing. The cover is re-attached to the container and the diaper pail is ready
for use. In
use, a soiled diaper is inserted into the waste insertion reservoir bounded by
the tubing
and the twist rim is then manually rotated as the diaper is held stationary to
cause the
diaper to be encapsulated in the tubing by the formation of a twist in the
tubing above
the diaper. Rotation of the twist rim also causes an additional amount of
tubing to be
removed from the cartridge and be pushed into the waste insertion reservoir to
prepare
it for a subsequent insertion of a diaper. The subsequent insertion of another
diaper into
the waste insertion reservoir causes the previously encapsulated diaper to
pass into the
hollow interior of the container. A series of connected, closed and
encapsulated waste
packages is created and the encapsulation process can be continued until the
tubing is
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exhausted or the container is full. When the container is full but tubing
remains, the
uppermost package is severed above its upper twisted closure, the severed end
of the
tubing is tied into a knot and an access door pivotally connected to the
bottom end of
the container is opened for the removal of the packages.
[0009] A major inconvenience of diaper pails of the "Diaper Genie".TM. type is
that it is
necessary to manually tie both ends of the tubing to use the diaper pail. That
is, initially,
upon insertion of a new cartridge, an end of the tubing is removed from the
cartridge
and must be tied into a knot, the knotted end then being pushed into the
container to
form the waste insertion chamber. Thereafter, when the container is fall but
tubing
remains in the cartridge, the tubing is severed at a location above the upper
twisted
closure of the uppermost encapsulated waste package and the severed end of the
tubing must be tied into a knot to prevent the series of waste packages from
unwinding.
The free end of the tubing remaining in the cartridge is again tied into a
knot and
pushed into the container to enable another series of encapsulated waste
packages to
be formed.
[0010] The necessary, multiple tyings of the tubing is bothersome and
moreover, when
the knots are not made sufficiently strong, unpleasant odors emanating from
the waste
packages can escape through the knots.
[0011] Another problem with diaper pails of the "Diaper Genie".TM. type is
that cutting
the tubing is difficult and requires the use of a manually operable cutting
instrument.
This cutting instrument does not enable easy cutting of the tubing.
[0012] Yet another problem with diaper pails of the "Diaper Genie".TM. type is
that the
series of waste packages are removed from the diaper pail through an access
door
pivotally connected to the bottom end of the container. The series of waste
packages
has been found to be difficult to handle during transfer to a waste receptacle
such as a
trash bag. Cleaning of the device is also difficult.
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[0013] Still another problem with known diaper pails and other waste pails is
that the
person inserting a diaper or other waste material (such as medical waste) into
the pail
may not remember to rotate the twist rim after insertion of a soiled diaper or
other
waste. In this case, the waste is not encapsulated by the tubing and
malodorous
vapors or other potentially hazardous contaminants can escape from the pail.
Although this would not prevent future use of the pail as the twist rim could
be rotated
before the next insertion of waste, it would likely result in the release of
odors or other
potentially hazardous contaminants. A waste pail which provides for automatic
formation of a twist above a waste item after insertion of the waste into the
pail is
therefore desirable.
[0014] Another problem with known diaper and waste pails is that because the
diaper
or waste pail comes into contact with the series of waste packages, it is
liable to
become dirty and cleaning of the pail is cumbersome as the access door must be
opened, the pail turned over and then the inside surfaces cleaned. A diaper or
waste
pail which affords easier cleaning for the surfaces which come into contact
with the
series of waste packages is therefore desirable.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0014a] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
waste
disposal device, comprising: a container having a bottom wall and a wall that
is
connected to and partially surrounds said bottom wall to provide an interior
volume
and an at least partially open portion for insertion of waste, said wall
having a side
opening, said wall having a flange extending therefrom into said interior
volume, said
flange being spaced above said side opening closer to said at least partially
open
portion than said bottom wall, said flange defines an opening at said at least
partially
open portion for insertion of waste; a cartridge positioned on said flange,
said
cartridge defining a ring-shaped opening and having a length of flexible
tubing that
extends through said ring-shaped opening; and a funnel that is connectable to
said
flange or said cartridge, wherein said funnel assists in preventing odors from
escaping from said waste disposal device.
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[0015] An embodiment of the present invention involves a waste disposal device
including a cartridge movable by rollers. The waste disposal device comprises
a
rotation mechanism for rotating the rotatable cartridge. The cylindrically
shaped
waste disposal device has an inner wall. The rotatable cartridge comprises a
cylindrical shape having an outside wall. The rotation mechanism comprises at
least
two opposingly aligned movable rollers that extend between the inner and outer
wall.
The rollers are engagingly configured to cause the cartridge to rotate upon
activation
of the rotation mechanism.
[0016] An embodiment of the present invention involves an integrated cutting
system
for a waste disposal device comprising a waste storage receptacle and a film
cutting
and sealing device. The waste storage receptacle has a body, a collar a lid,
and a
storage
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film cartridge adapted to be positioned in the collar. The cartridge has a
continuous
length of storage film. The integrated cutting system further includes an
activation
mechanism operatively configured to alternatively engage a cutting device or a
film
sealing device capable of twistably sealing the film of the cartridge when the
film is
dispensed from the cartridge. A selection mechanism is arranged to control the
activation mechanism to either engage the cutting device while deactivating
the film
sealing device, or to engage the film sealing device while deactivating the
cutting
device. The cutting device comprises a blade positioned to sever the film from
the
cartridge.
[0017] An aspect of the embodiment involves a container defined by a
circumferential
wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, a top surface and a bottom
surface.
The container has an actuation mechanism capable of moving from a first
position to a
second position, and is accessible from the outer surface of the container. A
cartridge is
operatively configured to interact with the actuation mechanism, such that
when the
actuation mechanism is moved in respect to the first and second position the
cartridge
is rotated.
[0018] An embodiment of the present invention involves a waste disposal device
comprising a container with a movable door. The embodiment further involves an
insertable or removable hamper or pail within the container and accessible
through the
moving door.
[0019] An embodiment of the present invention involves a waste disposal device
including a turntable for twisting flexible tubing dispensed from a cartridge.
The
cartridge comprises a rigid body formed by a central tubular core open at top
and
bottom. A surrounding casing wall is positioned to provide a space between the
tubular
core and the casing wall and a base wall joining a lower end of the
surrounding casing
wall to the lower end of said tubular core. A length of flexible tubing is
packed profusely
in a tightly layered mass in the space to constitute a pack surrounding the
tubular core
positioned in a housing within the waste disposal device. A turntable
mechanism is
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positioned interior to the cartridge housing comprising a support flange. The
turntable
mechanism is operatively configured to allow for rotation of the flexible
tubing dispensed
from the cartridge when said flexible tubing contains waste material.
[0020] An embodiment of the present invention involves a waste disposal device
including a sensing mechanism for delaying rotation of a cartridge. The waste
disposal
device comprises a container defining a waste chamber for receiving
encapsulated
waste. A lid is coupled to the device and is capable of moving between an open
and
closed position on the container. A rotatable cartridge contains a length of
flexible
tubing. A rotation mechanism is operatively configured to engage a rotatable
cartridge.
A sensing mechanism is arranged to allow for delay in rotation of the
cartridge until the
lid assumes the closed position.
[0021] An embodiment of the present invention involves a waste disposal device
including a mechanism for scoring flexible tubing dispensed from a cartridge.
The
waste disposal device comprises a container housing a length of flexible
tubing foldingly
stacked therein and configured to permit dispensing of the flexible tubing to
a
predetermined length. The flexible tubing is scored periodically at
predetermined
intervals for ease of tearing during disposal of waste packages placed in the
flexible
tubing.
[0022] An embodiment of the present invention provides new and improved waste
disposal devices, in particular for use in the disposal of disposable diapers,
medical
wastes and industrial waste.
[0023] Another aspect of an embodiment provides improved waste disposal
devices for
the medical and health case industries for use in, for example, hospitals,
doctors'
offices, operating rooms, nursing homes, out-patient care and the home health
care
industry for disposal of non "sharps" including adult diapers, bloody/soiled
bandages,
dressings, disposable bibs, "chucks" and clothing, medical gloves and dialysis
machine
filters and other disposal medical waste.
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[0024] Yet another aspect of an embodiment provides new and improved waste
disposal devices which use flexible tubing to dispose of waste packages.
[0025] Still another aspect of an embodiment provides new and improved waste
disposal devices in which encapsulation of waste packages occurs automatically
upon
closing a cover of the device or depressing a foot pedal.
[0026] Yet another aspect of an embodiment provides new and improved waste
disposal devices in which waste products are encapsulated and compacted.
[0027] Yet another aspect of an embodiment provides new and improved waste
disposal devices in which tying of flexible tubing used to dispose of waste
packages is
unnecessary.
[0028] Still another aspect of an embodiment provides a new and improved waste
disposal device which effectively contains and prevents the release of odors
from waste
packages.
[0029] Still another aspect of an embodiment provides new and improved
cartridges for
waste disposal devices which retain flexible tubing.
[0030] Yet another aspect of an embodiment provides new and improved waste
disposal devices in which a series of encapsulated waste packages are formed
and can
be removed from the device in an easy and expeditious manner.
[0031] Another embodiment provides new and improved diaper pails which
alleviate a
problem in known diaper pails, namely the need to remember to rotate a twist
rim on a
diaper pail after insertion of a soiled diaper in order to encapsulate the
diaper.
[0032] Yet another embodiment provides an automatic twist mechanism for a
diaper (or
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other waste) pail which eliminates problems associated with the required
manual
twisting of a twist rim in order to encapsulate a soiled diaper or other waste
product.
[0033] In an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, a waste
disposal device
in accordance with the invention generally includes a container defining a
waste
receiving chamber and a cartridge arranged in the container and containing a
length of
flexible tubing for encapsulating waste packages after placement of a waste
package in
the container, with the encapsulated waste packages being retained in the
waste
receiving chamber. A lid is coupled to the container and is movable between an
open
position in which the waste receiving chamber is accessible and a closed
position in
which the waste receiving chamber is covered. A retention mechanism is
arranged in
the container to hold the waste package.
[0034] In another aspect of an embodiment, a rotation mechanism is provided to
cause
relative rotation between the cartridge and the retention mechanism in order
to cause a
twist to be formed above a waste package when the waste package is being held
by the
retention mechanism and thereby encapsulate the waste package in the tubing.
That is,
either the cartridge is rotated while the retention mechanism is stationary or
the
retention mechanism is rotated while the cartridge is stationary.
[0035) In an aspect of an embodiment, encapsulation of the waste package
prevents
the release of odors from the waste package and thus, the invention provides a
convenient and sanitary disposal of the waste packages. Once encapsulated, the
waste
package is urged further into the container upon a subsequent insertion of
another
waste package. A series of encapsulated waste packages is thus created in the
waste
receiving chamber of the container, each package contained within a portion of
the
tubing and sealed at each end by the twisting process. However, the front end
of the
tubing is not sealed by the twisting process and must be closed by another
method,
possibly as disclosed below.
[0036] In another aspect of an embodiment, the cartridge can also be rotated
upon
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rotation of the retention mechanism, although this would require some
additional
operation in order to form a twist in the tubing and encapsulation of the
waste packages.
[0037] The rotation mechanism may take many forms. In some embodiments, the
rotation mechanism is actuated automatically by pressing or depressing a foot
pedal,
pushbutton or the like. In the alternative, the rotation mechanism may be
actuated
automatically based on closing and/or opening of the lid. In this manner, one
does not
need to remember to turn a twist rim, as in conventional waste disposal
devices of a
similar type, in order to cause a waste package to be encapsulated.
[0038] An exemplifying embodiment of a retention mechanism includes a frame
defining
a waste passage through which the waste package passes and resilient springs
connected to the frame and extending inward into the waste passage to engage
with
and hold the waste package. The frame may be fixed to the container in
embodiments
wherein the cartridge is being rotated and the retention mechanism is
stationary. In
embodiments wherein the retention mechanism is rotated and the cartridge
stationary,
the retention mechanism can additionally include a support flange connected to
the
frame for supporting the cartridge and an annular ring connected to the
support flange
and including a gear rim or other toothed structure. The retention mechanism
is
rotatably supported on the container by, for example, a flange on which the
annular ring
rests. The gear rim is designed to be rotated by the rotation mechanism to
thereby
cause rotation of the frame and any waste package held by the resilient
springs. An
appropriate mechanism is provided to prevent rotation of the cartridge
supporting on the
support flange of the retention mechanism. Instead of supporting the cartridge
directly
on the support flange or the retention mechanism in general, it can be
removably
secured to the container apart from the retention mechanism.
[0039] One embodiment of a rotation mechanism for rotating the retention
mechanism
including the gear rim described above, as well as others disclosed herein
having a
gear rim, includes a motor having a shaft and providing rotational movement to
the shaft
and a gear arranged on the shaft and in engagement with the gear rim. As such,
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rotation of the shaft causes rotation of the gear and gear rim which in turn
causes
rotation of the frame and any waste package held by the resilient springs
connected to
the frame. The rotation mechanism may be housed in a compartment defined by a
wall
inside the container, to prevent the waste packages from damaging the rotation
mechanism. The wall includes a slot through which the gear rim extends into
engagement with the gear mounted on the shaft. In the alternative, the gear
may extend
through the slot into engagement with the gear rim.
[0040] Yet another embodiment provides a compacting mechanism to compact the
waste packages. This is particularly advantageous for medical waste such as is
generated by doctors in doctors offices. The compacting mechanism can be
actuated
by the same motor which causes rotation of the retention mechanism. In an
exemplifying embodiment, the compacting mechanism includes a rotatable shaft
extending between opposite sides of the waste chamber, preferably supported on
both
sides, with a front end of the tubing from the cartridge being connected to
the shaft prior
to use of the waste disposal device. When the motor is actuated, the shaft is
rotated
and the tubing having waste packages encapsulated therein is rolled around the
shaft
thereby compacting any waste package encapsulated by the tubing. The waste
packages are encapsulated by the formation of twists above the waste packages
in the
manner described above.
[0041] In another aspect, another rotation mechanism for rotating a retention
mechanism having a gear rim as described above comprises a series of gears
mounted
on a flange in the container and a pedal mounted exterior of the container and
connected to a pulley_ A cable passes over this pulley and is fixed at one end
to the
container and windable about a shaft at its other end so that movement of the
pedal in a
slot causes the shaft to rotate. A gear is mounted on the shaft and a clutch
assembly is
interposed between the gear and the gear rim in order to transfer the
rotational force of
the gear to the gear rim. The clutch assembly is constructed to provide for a
unidirectional transmission of rotational force from the gear to the gear rim.
To this end,
the clutch assembly may comprise a clutch member having a gear portion in
meshing
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engagement with the gear mounted on the shaft. The clutch member is mounted
about
a drive spindle connected to a drive gear which in turn is in meshing
engagement with
an idler gear. The idler gear is in meshing engagement with a gear rim formed
on the
retention mechanism. The clutch member is constructed to engage or disengage
from
the drive spindle so that the rotational force is transferred to the drive
only upon
movement of the pedal in one direction and not the opposite direction.
[0042] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, an alternative
rotation
mechanism for rotating a retention mechanism without a gear rim includes a
pulley
attached to the retention mechanism and a pulley attached to the shaft of the
motor or
to the shaft of the compacting mechanism, if present. A cable is threaded
through the
pulleys and guided by guide pulleys if necessary so that the rotation of the
shaft of the
motor or the shaft of the compacting mechanism is converted into rotational
movement
of the retention mechanism via the cable. The retention mechanism in this case
includes a frame, resilient springs connected to the frame, the pulley and an
annular
ring around the frame with the retention mechanism being rotatably supported
on the
container by, for example, the annular ring resting on a flange of the
container.
[0043] In an embodiment wherein the rotation mechanism is manually actuated,
the
rotation mechanism comprises a handle situated at least partially outside of
the
container and movable in a slot in an outer wall of the container and a
mechanism for
converting movement of the handle into unidirectional rotational movement of
the frame
of the retention mechanism to thereby rotate the frame, the resilient springs
and a waste
package engaged by the resilient springs relative to the tubing in the
cartridge. Uni-
directional rotational movement of the frame is necessary to prevent unwinding
of the
twists in the tubing. One manner to accomplish this is to provide an inner
ring connected
to the frame and having grooves on an inner face and a first, movable outer
ring
surrounding the inner ring and connected to the handle. The first outer ring
includes a
pin engaging with the grooves on the inner ring so that upon sliding movement
of the
handle, the first outer ring rotates, and via the engagement of the pin with
the grooves in
the inner ring, the inner ring and frame rotate. Also, a second, stationary
outer ring is
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connected to the container and has grooves on an inner face. A pin connected
to the
inner ring engages with the grooves on the second outer ring to prevent return
movement of the frame. As such, the frame rotates only when the handle is
moved in a
"forward" direction and not when the handle is moved in a "reverse" direction.
Repeated
forward and reverse movement of the handles will thus result in multiple
twists in the
tubing.
[0044] To allow for easy removal of the series of encapsulated waste packages
from the
container, a pail, or another comparable removable waste receptacle, may be
placed in
the container on a base for receiving the encapsulated waste packages and an
access
door is formed in an outer wall of the container to enable removal and
emptying of the
pail. The pail may be lined with a trash bag so that when the pail is removed,
the trash
bag is closed and sealed with the series of encapsulated waste packages
therein.
[0045] In the alternative, a hamper can be provided having an outer wall
constituting a
portion of the outer wall of the container and defining the waste receiving
chamber. The
hamper may be pivotally attached to the container so that by pivoting the
hamper
outward, the series of encapsulated waste packages is exposed and thus easily
removable from the hamper.
[0046] In the embodiments described above, the retention mechanism includes
resilient
springs which engage the waste package and prevent its rotation relative to
the
retention mechanism. Other mechanisms for preventing rotation of waste
packages
relative to a retaining structure are also contemplated within the scope of
the invention.
[0047] For example, in another embodiment of a waste disposal device, the
retention
mechanism is constructed in connection with a rotatable pail situated in the
container so
that the first waste package is held stationary by the pail itself. The
rotation mechanism
in this embodiment is designed to rotate the pail while the cartridge is
stationary. To this
end, the rotation mechanism may comprise a turntable arranged below the pail,
a string
for manually causing rotation of the turntable (by pulling the string), with
the turntable
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being in engagement with the pail via cooperating formations on the turntable
and pail,
and a mechanism for returning the turntable to is original position to be
ready for a
subsequent rotation via pulling of the string. The mechanism by which the
turntable
returns to its original position may be a torsion spring or the like.
[0048] The cartridge used in the waste disposal devices in accordance with the
invention can be any conventional cartridge containing flexible tubing and
defining a
waste insertion chamber. However, a drawback of known cartridges is that the
tubing
generally must be tied or knotted both at the beginning and end of use.
Therefore, in
order to achieve additional objects of the invention, the waste disposal
devices in
accordance with the invention are designed to use a cartridge having tubing
which can
be closed and sealed at both ends without requiring tying of knots. One
construction of
such a cartridge includes a casing defining a cavity containing tubing and
including
opposed substantially cylindrical inner and outer walls and an annular lower
wall
extending between the inner and outer walls and an annular cover connected to
the
casing and enclosing the tubing in the cavity such that a ring-shaped opening
is defined
between an inner edge of the cover and the inner wall for passage of the
tubing
therethrough.
[0049] The closing and sealing of the front end of the tubing outside of the
cavity is
obtained by, for example, a metal clip or clasp attached to the front end of
the tubing.
[0050] The closing and sealing of the rear end of the tubing, i.e., that end
connected to
the cartridge, is obtained by constructing the cartridge to fold about itself.
For example,
score lines can be arranged on the cover to enable the cover to be folded
about the
score lines and score lines or slits arranged in the casing in alignment with
the score
lines of the cover to enable the casing to bend or break in conjunction with
the folding of
the cover about the score lines. If the casing is made of cardboard, then only
score lines
are required, not slits,
[0051] One or both of the folded parts of the cover may be provided with a
connection
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mechanism to enable the folded parts of the cover to stay together. The
connection
mechanism may be adhesive, hook and loop fasteners or ties and clasps formed
or
stamped in the cover.
[0052] The above-described embodiments involve rotation of the retention
mechanism
relative to the stationary cartridge. In an embodiment wherein the cartridge
is rotated
relative to the retention mechanism, a rotation mechanism is provided which
automatically rotates the cartridge upon movement of the lid. The automatic
rotation of
the cartridge could also be performed automatically in conjunction with the
movement of
the lid or as a consequence of the movement of the lid. Rotation of the
cartridge after
insertion of a waste package into the waste insertion chamber causes the
tubing to twist
and encapsulate the waste package. The automatic rotation of the cartridge is
achieved
preferably only upon closing of the lid so that when the lid is closed, the
cartridge is
rotated and the tubing is twisted. In this manner, one does not need to
remember to turn
a twist rim, as in conventional waste disposal devices of a similar type, in
order to cause
a waste package to be encapsulated. Opening of the lid will not cause rotation
of the
cartridge and thus the encapsulated waste package will not be opened.
[0053] This type of rotation mechanism can take many forms with the objective
being to
convert the movement of the lid, which is invariably performed after insertion
of a soiled
waste package, into a rotation of the cartridge to thereby cause twisting of
the tubing. In
one embodiment, a rack gear is attached to the lid and a gear assembly is
arranged in
the container with one gear adapted to frictionally engage the teeth of the
rack gear
upon downward movement of the lid. The gear assembly includes a circular plate
with
projections or a drive gear with teeth which mesh with a series of projections
formed on
the periphery of the cartridge. This drive gear is coupled through a gear
assembly to the
gear in engagement with the rack gear so that the movement of the rack gear
causes
rotation of all of the gears in the gear assembly and the drive gear and thus
rotation of
the cartridge. Instead of a rack gear, a toothed plate can be used.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0054]. The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof,
may best be
understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with
the
accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals identify like elements,
and
wherein,
[0055) FIG. 1 is a partially cut-away side view of a first embodiment of a
waste disposal
device in accordance with the invention;
[0056] FIG. 2 is a partially cut-away view of the upper region of the waste
disposal
device shown in FIG. 1 with the lid in an open position;
[0057] FIG. 3 is a view of the gear assembly interacting with a rack gear in
the
embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in a position in which movement of the rack gear is
transmitted by the gear assembly to the cartridge;
[0058] FIG. 4 is a view of the gear assembly shown in FIG. 3 in a position in
which
movement of the rack gear is not transmitted by the gear assembly to the
cartridge;
[0059] FIG. 5 is a view of another gear assembly interacting with a rack gear
for use in
the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in a position in which movement of the rack
gear is
transmitted by the gear assembly to the cartridge;
[0060] FIG. 6 is a view of the gear assembly shown in FIG. 5 in a position in
which
movement of the rack gear is not transmitted by the gear assembly to the
cartridge;
[0061] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention
wherein waste
packages are rotated relative to the cartridge;
[0062] FIG 8 is a sectional view taken along the line 8-8 of FIG. 7 with the
lid in a
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closed position;
[0063] FIG. 9 is a perspective view partially cut-away showing the manner in
which the
retention member is rotated;
[0064] FIG. 10 is a side elevation, partly in section, of a cartridge of
flexible tubing for
use in the invention;
[0065] FIG. 11 is a top view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 10;
[0066] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 10;
[0067] FIG. 13A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a cartridge of
flexible
tubing for use in the invention
[0068] FIG. 13B is a perspective view of a tie upon removal from the cover of
the
cartridge shown in FIG. 13A;
[0069] FIG. 13C is a perspective view of a clasp upon removal from the cover
of the
cartridge shown in FIG. 13A;
[0070] FIG. 13D is a perspective, cross-sectional view of another embodiment
of a
cartridge of flexible tubing for use in the invention;
[00711 FIG. 13E is a perspective view of the end of the tubing of the
cartridge shown in
FIG. 13D after removal from the cartridge;
[0072] FIG. 14 is an exploded, partial view of another embodiment of a waste
disposal
device in accordance with the invention wherein waste packages are rotated
relative to
the cartridge;
16
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[0073] FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along the line 15-15 of FIG. 14;
[0074] FIG. 16 is a side elevation, partly in section, of another embodiment
of the
invention wherein waste packages are rotated relative to the cartridge;
[0075] FIG. 17 is a side elevation, party in section, of the embodiment of
FIG. 16 shown
during use;
[0076] FIG. 18 is a top view of the rotation mechanism in the embodiment shown
in FIG.
16;
[0077] FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the rotation mechanism in the embodiment
shown in
FIG. 16;
[0078] FIG. 20 is a side view of another embodiment of a waste disposal device
in
accordance with the invention wherein waste packages are rotated relative to
the
cartridge;
[0079] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the waste disposal device shown in
FIG. 20;
[0080] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the waste disposal device shown in
FIG. 20;
[0081] FIG. 23A is a perspective view of the encapsulation device and
compacting
mechanism of the waste disposal device shown in FIG. 20;
[0082] FIG. 23B is a perspective view of another embodiment of an
encapsulation
device for use in the waste disposal device shown in FIG. 20;
[0083] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the waste disposal device of FIG.
20 showing
waste packages encapsulated and compacted;
17
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[0084] FIG. 25 is an exploded view of the retention mechanism and a cartridge
of the
waste disposal device shown in FIG. 20;
[0085] FIG. 26 is an exploded view of another retention mechanism cartridge of
the
waste disposal device shown in FIG. 20;
[0086] FIG. 27 shows a section of flexible tubing with perforations to
facilitate tearing off;
[0087] FIG. 28 is a schematic view of another encapsulation device for the
waste
disposal device shown in FIGS. 20-22;
[0088] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention
wherein the
waste package is rotated while the cartridge is stationary;
[0089] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional, partial view taken along the line 30-30
of FIG. 29;
[0090] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 31-31 of FIG.
30;
[0091] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 32-32 of FIG.
31;
[0092] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 33-33 of FIG.
31;
[0093] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 34-34 of FIG.
32;
[0094] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 35-35 of FIG.
32;
[0095] FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the
invention wherein
the waste package is rotated while the cartridge is stationary;
[0096] FIG. 37 is a view of the bottom of the pail in the embodiment of FIG.
36;
18
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[0097] FIG. 38 is a sectional view taken along the line 38-38 of FIG. 36;
[0098] FIG. 39 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the turntable and bottom
of the
pail showing a position in which the ribs on the turntable engage with
depressions on
the pail;
[0099] FIG. 40 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the turntable and bottom
of the
pail showing a position in which the ribs on the turntable are separated from
the
depressions on the pail;
[0100] FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 41-41 of FIG.
39;
[0101] FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 42-42 of FIG.
40;
[0102] FIG. 43 is a drawing of an embodiment showing at least two opposingly
aligned
moveable rollers for rotating a rotatable cartridge, according to the present
invention;
[0103] FIG. 43' is a drawing of an embodiment of a waste disposal device
showing a
mechanism operatively configured to alternatively engage a cutting device or a
film
sealing device capable of twistably sealing a film dispensed from a cartridge,
according
to the present invention;
[0104] FIG. 43A is a perspective drawing of an embodiment of a waste disposal
device
having a sensing mechanism operatively configured to allow for delay in
rotation of a
cartridge until a lid of the disposal device takes a closed position,
according to the
present invention; and
[0105] FIG. 43B is a drawing of an embodiment of a waste disposal device
showing a
scoring mechanism for scoring a flexible tubing dispensed from a cartridge,
according to
the present invention.
19
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0106] Several embodiments of waste disposal devices in accordance with the
invention
are described below. Generally, the waste disposal devices provide for
relative rotation
between a cartridge of flexible tubing and a retention unit, mechanism or
member which
holds a waste package stationary, i.e., either the cartridge is rotated
relative to the
retention unit or the retention unit is rotated while the cartridge is
stationary. In this
manner, the flexible tubing is caused to twist above the waste package thereby
encapsulating the waste package in the tubing. The encapsulated waste package
is
then urged into a waste receiving chamber of the waste disposal device upon
the
insertion of another waste package into the device to be encapsulated or in
some
embodiments, provisions are made to enable the encapsulated waste package to
be
drawn into the waste receiving chamber without dependency on the subsequent
insertion of another waste package. Repeated insertions of waste packages
causes the
formation of a series of encapsulated waste packages which can be removed from
the
container when the container is full or the tubing is exhausted,
[0107] It is contemplated that the features of different embodiments described
herein
can be used together with one another in the same waste disposal device to the
extent
possible. For example, new and unique cartridges of flexible tubing are
disclosed below
and it is envisioned that these cartridges can be used in all of disclosed
waste disposal
devices.
[0108] On the other hand, some of the waste disposal devices described below
are
shown for use with this new cartridge. Nevertheless, it is contemplated that
these waste
disposal devices can be used with other cartridges including conventional
cartridges.
which might entail use of an appropriate adapter, one of which is described
below.
[0109] Throughout the several views, the same reference numerals will be used
to
designate the same or similar elements. Variations in the elements may be
present in
the drawings and if so, it is to demonstrate that the elements can have
different forms.
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[0110] Referring first to FIGS. 1-4, a waste disposal device in accordance
with one form
of the present invention is shown. The waste disposal device 10 comprises a
generally
cylindrical container 12 defining a waste receiving compartment 12a, a
removable cover
14 arranged on the top of the container 12 and an access door 16 pivotally
connected to
the bottom of the container 12. Cover 14 fits snugly to the upper rim of the
container 12
and defines a waste insertion opening 20. A lid 22 is pivotally connected to
the cover 14
so as to be movable between an open position in which the waste insertion
opening 20
is exposed to enable insertion of a waste package such as soiled diaper into
the
container 12 and a closed position in which the lid 22 overlies and closes the
waste
insertion opening 20. A flange 18 is located inside the container 12 along the
inner
surface of the container 12, and may be integrally formed with the container
12. Flange
18 can conform to the cross-sectional shape of the container 12, which may be
cylindrical or otherwise.
[01111A removable cartridge 24 rests on the flange 18 and contains a
circumferentially
pleated length of flexible tubing 34. Tubing 34 may constitute a polybag.
Cartridge 24
includes a cylindrical outer wall 26, a lower wall 28, an inner wall 30 and an
upper wall
32 which together define a cavity for receiving the circumferentially pleated
length of
flexible tubing 34. A ring-shaped opening 36 is defined between the inner wall
30 and
the upper wall 32 for passage of the tubing 34. Inner wall 30 is provided with
an annular
flange or lip 38 over which the tubing 34 passes into a waste insertion
chamber 40
defined by the inner wall 28. Waste insertion chamber 40 aligns with the waste
insertion
opening 20 defined in the cover 14. The cartridge 24 is removed when the
tubing 34 is
used up by separating the cover 14 from the container 12, and a full cartridge
is then
placed onto the flange 18 and the cover 14 fit onto the container 12.
[0112] A rotation mechanism is provided to enable movement of the lid 22 to be
converted into rotation of the cartridge 24. More particularly, the downward
movement
of the lid 22 causes automatic rotation of the cartridge 24, with the rotation
of the
cartridge 24 causing twisting of the tubing 34 above the waste package in the
waste
21
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insertion chamber 40. In this manner, the twist rim present in conventional
waste
disposal devices of a similar type is not required.
[0113] Specifically, the mechanical rotation mechanism, which causes rotation
of the
cartridge 24 upon the downward movement of the lid 22 to its closed position,
includes
a toothed member such as a rack gear 42 fixed to the lid 22 and a cooperating
gear
assembly 44 arranged in connection with the container 12.
[0114] Raok gear 42 has an arcuate shape and includes a series of teeth formed
on at
least a portion of the outer arcuate surface with spaces being present between
the
teeth. An elongate slot 68 is provided in the cover 14 through which the rack
gear 42
passes for engagement with the gear assembly 44 (see FIG. 2). Instead of a
rack gear
42, a toothed plate or any other member having teeth on an edge could be used.
The
rack gear 42 could also be provided with teeth on the inner arcuate surface in
which
case, the gear assembly 44 would be positioned inward of the rack gear 42
between the
rack gear 42 and the rear of the container 12. Other cooperating, force-
transmitting
constructions could be used to enable the movement of the lid 22 to be
transferred to an
element of the gear assembly.
[0115] Gear assembly 44 is mounted on a plate 46 so that the gear assembly 44
and
plate 46 can be formed as a discrete component insertable into a pre-formed
site in the
container 12. As shown, plate 46 is mounted on an inner wall of the container
12
between mounting brackets 70 which define elongate slots for receiving opposed
edges
of the plate 46. In this manner, the plate 46 containing the gear assembly 44
thereon is
easily and removably mounted to the container 12. The plate 46 can also be
formed
integral with the container.
[0116] A non-limiting embodiment of gear assembly 44 is shown in greater
detail in
FIGS. 3 and 4. Gear assembly 44 includes a first gear 48 adapted to engage the
rack
gear 42. Gear 48 is mounted between the plate 46 and a mounting bracket 50
attached
to or formed in conjunction with the plate 46. An elongate aperture 52 is
arranged in the
22
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mounting bracket 50 for retaining an end of a shaft of the gear 48 in such a
manner that
the gear 48 is slightly movable. The purpose of the movement of the gear 48 is
explained below.
[0117] Gear assembly 44 further includes a coupled set of two gears 54,56
mounted on
the plate 46 with gear 54 being in meshed engagement with gear 48. Gear 56 is
spaced
from the plate 46 and is positioned at the same level as the mounting bracket
50 which
is thus shaped with an arcuate form to accommodate gear 56. Gear assembly 44
further
includes another gear 58 also mounted on plate 46 in meshed engagement with
gear
56. A gear 60 is attached to gear 58 and includes a series of projections 64
extending
outward from a peripheral edge. Instead of gears, any type of toothed member
can be
used.
[0118] The engaged pairs of gears 48,54 and 56,58 are constructed in a
conventional
manner so that rotation of one gear of each pair causes rotation of the other
gear in that
pair. Specifically, with reference to FIG. 3, when the rack gear 42 is moved
in the
direction of arrow A, which occurs when the lid 22 is being closed, gear 48 is
moved
downward until its shaft 48A is against the lower edge of the aperture 52 at
which time,
the continued movement of the rack gear 42 causes the gear 48 to rotate in the
direction of arrow 13 causing gears 54,56 to rotate in the direction of arrow
C, which is
opposite to the direction of rotation of gear 48. Rotation of gear 56 in the
direction of
arrow C causes gears 58, 60 to rotate in the direction of arrow D, which is
opposite to
the direction of rotation of gears 54,56.
[0119] Further, gears 54, 56 and 58 are constructed to increase rotation of
gear 60 in
relation to the rotation of gear 48. That is, gear 54 has a smaller diameter
than gear 48
and gear 56 so that gear 56 rotates faster than gear 48 while gear 58 has a
smaller
diameter than gear 56 and gear 60 so that gear 60 rotates faster than gear 56.
One
rotation of gear 46 will thus translate into multiple rotations of gear 60.
The ratio of the
diameters of the gears 46, 54, 56, 58, i.e., the gear ratio, can be designed
to provide
whatever appropriate rotation of gear 60 is needed to facilitate operation of
the waste
23
=
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=
disposal device in the manner described below.
[0120] Referring to FIG. 2, cartridge 24 has a series of projections 66
extending outward
from a rim 26a of outer wall 26. Although not shown, projections 66 are
uniformly
spaced around the entire circumference of the outer wall 26. Projections 64 on
the gear
60 are designed to mesh with the projections 66 on the cartridge 24 to enable
rotation
force to be transferred from the gear assembly 44 to the cartridge 24. As
such, rotation
of the gear 60 in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 3 will result in rotation
of the cartridge
24 in the direction of arrow E in FIG. 2. Rotation of the cartridge 24 causes
twisting of
the tubing 34 above a waste package when the waste package is held stationary.
[0121] The projections 66 can be formed integral with the outer wall 26 in
which case,
the cartridge 34 would be different than conventional cartridges which do not
have any
such projections. In the alternative, since it is desirable to be able to use
conventional
cartridges, an annular attachment rim could be provided. The conventional
cartridge
would be placed in the annular attachment rim, which would be sized to provide
a snug
fit and/or include a cooperating attachment mechanism in order to fix the
cartridge to the
attachment rim so that rotation of the attachment rim causes rotation of the
cartridge.
The attachment rim would include a series of projections adapted to mesh with
the gear
60. In this manner, either the special cartridge including the integral
projections 66 or a
cartridge designed for use in conventional waste disposal devices of the same
or a
similar type could be used in this embodiment of the invention.
[0122] As shown in FIG. 2, gear 60 is positioned below the rim 26a of the
outer wall 26
so that the projections 64 on the gear 60 engage the projections 66 on the
cartridge 24
from below. However, it is also contemplated that the projections 64 can
engage the
projections 66 from above, either by forming the projections 66 on a rim about
a lower
portion of the cartridge 24, reducing the height of the cartridge 24 while
maintaining the
same gear assembly 44 or by constructing the gear assembly 44 such that the
gears
58, 60 rotate about an axis above the projections 66.
24
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[0123] The rotation mechanism as shown is designed to cause rotation of the
cartridge
24 only upon closing movement of the lid 22. The gear train is thus arranged
to prevent
transmission of a rotational force by the rack gear 42 during movement of the
lid 22 to
its open position and allow transmission of a rotational force by the rack
gear 42 during
movement of the lid 22 to its closed position. Any known design and
construction of
gears to provide for a one-way transmission of rotational force could be
applied in the
invention. In the illustrated embodiment, a one-way transmission of rotational
force is
provided by the mounting of the shaft of the gear 48 in the aperture 52. As
such, when
the lid 22 is moved to its closed position, the shaft 48A of the gear 48 is
pressed
downward against a lower edge of the aperture 52 by the rack gear 42 so that
the rack
gear 42 frictionally engages gear 48 and causes rotation of gear 48 (see FIG.
3). On the
other hand, when the rack gear 42 is moved upward upon movement of the lid 22
to its
open position, gear 48 moves upward (in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 4)
out of
engagement with the gear 54 such that a space G is formed between the gear 48
and
the gear 54. The upward movement of gear 48 is facilitated by the placement of
the
shaft 48A of the gear in the aperture 52. Although the rack gear 42 will
continue to
engage and rotate gear 48 during its upward movement, the rotation of gear 48
is not
transmitted to the gear 54 so that the cartridge 24 does not rotate and unwind
the twist.
The size and orientation of the aperture 52 are designed to allow for movement
of the
shaft 48A in the desired manner.
[0124] It is also conceivable that a rotation mechanism could also be designed
to cause
rotation of the cartridge either only upon opening of the lid or upon both
closing and
opening of the lid.
[0125] The apparatus is designed to hold an encapsulated waste package
stationary
while the flexible tubing 34 is twisted. To this end, tongues or springs 72
are attached to
the flange 18. The springs 72 hold a waste package 74 within the flexible
tubing 34
stationary while the cartridge 24 is rotated to twist the flexible tubing 34
and seal the
end of the waste package 74. Alternate arrangements for preventing rotation of
the
waste package 74 during rotation of the cartridge 34 include springs attached
to the
CA 2995853 2018-02-21
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=
container 12 and projecting radially inward in order to engage the waste
package 74, or
springs attached to or formed integral with a retention member which in turn
is attached
to the container. Additional arrangements for preventing rotation of the waste
package
which may be incorporated into this embodiment are described below.
[0126] Moreover, other arrangements for holding a waste package stationary
during
twisting of the tubing which may be used in conjunction with the invention are
disclosed
in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,869,049, 5,590,512, 5,813,200, 6,128,890 and 6,170,240,
all of
which are incorporated by reference herein. These patents also disclose
several
variations of a cutting device that may be incorporated into the waste
disposal device in
accordance with the invention for the purpose of severing the flexible tubing
34 when
the container 12 is full of waste packages 74.
[0127] To prepare the waste disposal device 10 for use, the cover 14 is opened
and a
cartridge 24 is placed onto the flange 18. An end of the flexible tubing 34 is
taken from
the cartridge 24 to cause a length of the tubing 34 to be pulled through
opening 36 and
this end is then knotted. This knot of flexible tubing 34 is then placed over
the lip 38 into
the waste insertion chamber 40 to thereby form a first bag for storing a waste
package
74. The cover 14 is then reattached to the container 12 and the device is
ready for use.
[012811n use, the lid 22 is opened to expose the waste insertion opening 20 of
cover 14
and the aligned waste insertion chamber 40 of the container 12. A waste
package 74
such as a soiled diaper is placed into the bag formed by flexible tubing 34
preferably so
that the bag is held against the springs 72.
[0129] The lid 22 is then closed causing the rack gear 42 to rotate the gears
48, 54, 56,
58 and 60. Rotation of the gear 60, which is in meshed engagement with the
projections
66 on the cartridge 24, will automatically cause rotation of the cartridge 24.
Rotation of
the cartridge 24 will cause the flexible tubing 34 not held stationary by the
weight of the
waste package 74 in engagement with the springs 72 to be twisted while the
waste
package 74 is held stationary. Thus, the flexible tubing 32 located above the
waste
26
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=
package 74 twists and encloses and encapsulates the waste package 74
[0130] Once a waste package 74 is sealed, the waste package 74 can be pushed
downwardly past the retention springs 72 into the container 12 upon the
following
insertion of a waste package into the waste insertion chamber 40. Successive
waste
packages 74 can be sanitarily stored in the container 12 because each waste
package
74 is individually sealed. Once the container 12 is filled, a cutting device
can be used to
sever the end of the most recently disposed waste package 74 from the roll of
flexible
tubing 34, and the series of waste packages 74 can be removed from the
container 12
through the bottom access door 16.
[0131] Modifications to the above embodiment are contemplated, including but
not
limited to, variations in the rotation mechanism which converts the movement
of the lid
to rotation of the cartridge.
[0132] For example, another gear assembly for converting the downward movement
of
the lid 14 and associated rack gear 42 into rotational movement of the
cartridge 24,
while preventing rotational movement of the cartridge 24 during upward
movement of
the lid 14 is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. This gear assembly 44' includes a gear
48'
meshing with the rack gear 42 and mounted with its rotation shaft in an
aperture 52'
formed in a plate 46' attached to or formed integral with the inner wall of
the container
12. Gear assembly 44' further includes a second gear 54'0 in meshing
engagement with
the gear 48' and which is also mounted on the plate 46'. A gear 60' is
attached to the
gear 54' and is arranged to mesh with the projections 64 on the cartridge 24.
[0133] For this gear assembly 44', a one-way transmission of rotational force
is provided
by the mounting of the shaft of the gear 48' in aperture 52'. When the rack
gear 42 is
moved in the direction of arrow A, which occurs when the lid 22 is being
closed, it
frictionally engages gear 48' and pushes gear 48' downward until its shaft
48A' is
against the lower edge of the aperture 52' at which time, the continued
movement of the
rack gear 42 causes the gear 48' to rotate in the direction of arrow B causing
gears
27
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55410-56D2
5460' to rotate in the direction of arrow C, which is opposite to the
direction of rotation
of gear 48. Rotation of the gear 60' causes rotation of the cartridge 34
through the
meshing engagement of the projections 64 on the cartridge with gear 60'.
= [0134] On the other hand, when the rack gear 42 is moved upward upon
movement of
the lid 22 to its open position (in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 6), gear
48' is moved
upward against an upper edge of the aperture 52' out of engagement with the
gear 54'
(in the direction of arrow B) with a space G being formed between the gear 48'
and the
gear 54'. The upward movement of gear 48' is facilitated by the placement of
the shaft
48A of the gear in the aperture 52'. Although the rack gear 42 will continue
to engage
and rotate gear 48' during the upward movement of the rack gear 42, the
rotation of
gear 48' is not transmitted to the gear 54' because of the separation between
gear 48'
and gear 54' so that the cartridge 24 does not rotate and unwind the twist.
[0135] Instead of providing projections on the outer wall of the cartridge 24,
sponge
rollers can be used to transfer the rotational force provided by the gear
assembly to the
cartridge.
[0136] Although several embodiments of a waste disposal device incorporating
cartridge
rotation mechanisms in accordance with the invention are shown in FIGS. 1-6,
the
cartridge rotation mechanisms disclosed above can be incorporated into
numerous .
waste disposal devices that differ from the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-6.
[0137] The embodiments in FIGS. 1-6 involve the rotation of the cartridge
relative to the
waste package which is held stationary. The following embodiments of waste
disposal
devices provide rotation of the waste package relative to the cartridge which
is
stationary.
[0138] A first embodiment of such a waste disposal device is shown in FIGS. 7-
9 and it
incorporates a rotation mechanism for rotating the waste package relative to
the
cartridge. The waste disposal device 80 includes a substantially cylindrical
container 82
28
CA 2995853 2018-02-21
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having an outer wall 84, and a base 86 arranged at a lower end of the outer
wall 84. A
removable hamper 88 is provided and has a wall 88a which also constitutes a
part of
the outer wall 84 of the container 82. The waste packages accumulate in the
hamper 88
and the hamper 88 is removed from the container 82 and emptied when full.
Since the
hamper 88 comes into direct contact with the waste packages and is liable to
become
dirty, it is advantageous that it is detachable from the container 82 so that
it can be
easily cleaned, possibly by placing it in a dishwasher.
[0139] A lid 22 is pivotally connected to the outer wall 84 so as to be
movable between
an open position in which a waste insertion opening 20 is exposed to enable
insertion of
a waste package such as soiled diaper into the container 82 and a closed
position in
which the lid 22 overlies and closes the waste insertion opening 20.
[0140] A flange 90 is located inside the container 82 along the inner surface
of the
container 82, and may be integrally formed with the container 82. Flange 90
can
conform to the cross-sectional shape of the container 82.
[0141] A retention member 92 is seated on the flange 90 and includes tongues
or
springs 72 adapted to grasp a waste package 74 (FIG. 8). Retention member 92
has a
frame including lower planar section 92a from which the springs 72 and
vertical walls
92b descend, the vertical walls 92b defining an enclosure in which the springs
72 retain
the waste package 74. A stepped section 92c is adjacent the outer edge of the
planar
section 92a and forms an indentation 92d enabling the retention member 92 to
be
movably seated on the flange 90. A cylindrical wall section 92e is adjacent
the stepped
section 92c and a circular gear rim 92f adjoins the cylindrical wall section
92e.
Projections 92g are formed on the gear rim 92f.
[0142] A removable cartridge 94 rests on the stepped section 92c and contains
a
circumferentially pleated length of flexible tubing 34. Additional details of
the cartridge
94 are set forth below with reference to FIGS. 10-12.
29
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[0143] A rotation mechanism 96 is provided to rotate the retention member 92.
The
rotation mechanism 96 includes a rack gear 42 attached to the lid 22 and
having a
series of teeth on at least a portion of an inner arcuate surface, and a gear
assembly 96
arranged on the container 82. Gear assembly 96 includes a first gear 100 in
meshing
engagement with the rack gear 96 and a second gear 102 in meshing engagement
with
the first gear 100. Gear 102 is connected to a drive gear 104 which is in
meshing
engagement with the projections 92g on the rim 92f of the retention member 92
(FIG.
9). Gear assembly 96 also includes an appropriate mechanism for enabling one-
way
transmission of rotational force from the rack gear 42 to the gear 104, for
example, the
formation of an aperture in which the rotation shaft of the gear 100 is
arranged to enable
movement of the gear 100 into and out of engagement with the gear 102 (see
FIGS. 3-6
and the relevant discussion above about the transmission of rotational force
in only a
single direction by mounting a rotation shaft of a gear in an aperture).
[0144] Thus, when the lid 22 is closed, the rack gear 42 is moved in the
direction of
arrow A in FIG. 9 causing the gear 100 to rotate in the direction of arrow B.
Gears 102
and 104 are caused to rotate in the direction of arrow C and the retention
member 92 is
caused to rotate in the direction of arrow D. As such, the closing movement of
the lid 22
is converted into rotational movement of the retention member 92. Other
mechanisms
for converting the movement of the lid into rotational movement of the
retention member
92 are also contemplated within the scope of the invention and include those
rotation
mechanisms described in other embodiments herein.
[0145] In order to provide for relative rotation between the retention member
92 and the
cartridge 94 and thus the formation of a twist in the tubing 34 above a waste
package
being retained by the springs 72 of the retention member 92, a mechanism for
preventing rotation of the cartridge 94 is provided. Specifically, two pair of
anti-rotation
tabs 106 are arranged on the inner wall of the container 82 with the anti-
rotation tabs
106 in each pair being spaced apart a distance substantially equal to the size
of flanges
108 formed on the cartridge 94 (see FIG. 7). When the cartridge 94 is placed
so that the
flanges 108 are between the anti-rotation tabs 106, the cartridge 94 is
prevented from
CA 2995853 2018-02-21
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rotating along with the retention member 92.
[0146] In use, the lid 22 is opened to expose the waste insertion opening 20.
A waste
package is placed into a bag formed by flexible tubing 34 preferably so that
the bag is
held against the springs 72.
[0147] The lid 22 is then closed causing the rack gear 42 to rotate the gears
100, 102
and 104. Rotation of the gear 104, which is in meshed engagement with the
projections
92g on the rim 92f of the retention member 92, will cause rotation of the
retention
= member 92. Rotation of the retention member while the cartridge 94 is
held stationary
will cause the flexible tubing 34 to be twisted above the waste package 74 and
thereby
encloses and encapsulates the waste package 74.
[0148] Once a waste package 74 is sealed, the waste package 74 can be pushed
downwardly past the retention springs 72 into the container 82 upon the
following
insertion of a waste package into the waste insertion chamber 20. Successive
waste
packages 74 can be sanitarily stored in the container 82 because each waste
package
74 is individually sealed.
[0149] Other constructions of retention members can be used in this
embodiment. For
example, the retention member 92 can be formed with a planar section from
which
springs 72 and the vertical walls 92b descend, and have a ring gear formed on
an outer
peripheral edge or on a lower surface. The ring gear would include teeth in
meshing
engagement with the drive gear 104 so that rotation of the drive gear 104
causes
rotation of the ring gear and thus the retention member. The cartridge would
rest on the
planar section and be held against rotation by the anti-rotation tabs. As
such, the
stepped section, cylindrical wall section and rim are not present on the
retention
member.
[0150] The cartridge 94 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is a unique cartridge provided
with
flanges. Generally, cartridges used in existing diaper pails and waste
disposal devices
31
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of a similar type do not include any flanges. Nevertheless, it is contemplated
that such
conventional cartridges could be used in this embodiment by providing an
adapter to
mate with the conventional cartridge and provide the necessary flanges to mate
with the
anti-rotation tabs 106. For example, the adapter could be a circular ring with
opposed
flanges whereby the cartridge is inserted into the adapter and fits snugly
together.
[0151] Details of the cartridge 94 designed far use in the embodiment of FIGS.
7-9, as
well as other embodiments described herein, are shown in greater detail in
FIGS. 10-12.
The cartridge 94 includes a casing 110 defining a cavity in which the tubing
34 is placed
and an annular cover 112 connected to the casing 110 and enclosing the tubing
34 in
the cavity. Casing 110 includes a cylindrical outer wall 114, an annular lower
wall 116, a
cylindrical inner wall 118 and a flange 120 extending outward from the upper
edge of
the outer wall 114. The flange 120 serves to enable attachment of the casing
110 and
cover 112 to one another, e.g., by adhesive. A ring-shaped opening 122 is
defined
between an inner edge of the cover 112 and inner wall 118 for passage of the
tubing 34.
Inner wall 118 includes, or may be provided with, an annular flange or lip
over which the
tubing 34 passes into a waste insertion chamber 40 defined in part by the
inner wall
118.
[0152] Cover 112 includes two tabs 108 on opposite sides. Tabs 108 are
designed to fit
between the anti-rotation tabs 106 formed in connection with the container 82
(see FIG.
7). By positioning the tabs 108 on the cartridge 94 between the anti-rotation
tabs 106 of
the container 82, rotation of the cartridge 94 upon rotation of the retention
member 92 is
prevented even though the cartridge 94 rests on the retention member 92.
Instead of
the placement of tabs on both the cartridge 94 and the container 82, other
mechanisms
for preventing rotation of the cartridge 94 relative to the retention member
92 can be
applied in the invention.
[0153] The cartridge 94 can be designed for multiple uses, i.e., to enable
insertion of a
new pack of tubing 34 when the tubing 34 in the cartridge 94 is exhausted
(instead of
folding the cartridge 94 over on itself and pushing the cartridge 94 into the
waste-
32
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receiving chamber 12a). In this case, the cover 112 is removably attached to
the casing
110, using Velcro.TM. for example, and additional packs of tubing 34 provided.
The
additional packs of tubing 34 can be held together by appropriate means known
in the
art. When the tubing in the cartridge 94 is exhausted, the end of the tubing
34 is tied
together and pushed into the waste-receiving chamber of the container 12. The
cover
112 is separated from the casing 110 and a new pack of tubing 34 is inserted
into the
casing 110. The cover 112 is re-attached to the casing 110 and the cartridge
94 is
prepared for use.
[0154] Casing 110 is typically made of a plastic material and cover 112 is
typically made
of a fibrous material such as cardboard. The use of these materials is not
intended to
limit the invention.
[0155] The cartridge 94 may also be designed to eliminate the need to tie the
tubing 34,
both at the beginning of use of the cartridge 94 and when the tubing 34 is
used up
and/or the hamper 88 is full. The rear end of the tubing 34 is usually fixed
to the
cartridge 94 to maintain the tubing 34 in connection with the cartridge 94.
[0156] With respect to eliminating the need to tie the tubing at the beginning
of use of
the cartridge 94, the cartridge 94 is constructed with the front end of tubing
34 closed,
for example, by using a metal clip or clasp 124 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12.
The clasp
124 is secured to the front end of the tubing 34 during manufacture of the
cartridge 94
so that the cartridge 94 is ready for use immediately upon purchase without
requiring
removal of a length of tubing and tying of the end of the removed length of
tubing (as in
conventional diaper pails of the "Diaper Genie".TM. type described above).
[0157] Other mechanisms for closing the front end of the tubing 34 during
manufacture
of the cartridge 94 can be used in the invention instead of the metal clasp
124. For
example, the end of the tubing 34 could be closed by heat-sealing (as shown in
FIG.
13D), formed with a closed end, or sewn closed.
33
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[0158] With respect to eliminating the need to tie the tubing when the length
of available
tubing is exhausted and/or the pail is full, the cartridge 94 is provided with
a closure
mechanism which is effective to close and seal the rear end of tubing 34
without
requiring tying of the tubing 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure
mechanism
involves a particular construction of the cartridge 94 with weakened regions,
both on the
casing 110 and the cover 112, to allow for folding of a part of the cartridge
94 onto itself.
[0159] More specifically, the cover 112 is provided with score lines 126,
which separate
approximately equal parts 112a, 112b of the cover 112 and enable the cover 112
to be
folded about the score lines 126, and with a mechanism to attach the folded
parts
112a,1 12b of the cover 112 together (FIG. 11). Instead of score lines 126 on
the cover
112, other types of constructions creating a weakened portion on the cover 112
can
also be provided, for example, providing a reduced thickness along a fold
line. The
casing 110 is provided with slits 128 extending through the outer wall 114,
lower wall
116 and inner wall 118 and with aligning weakened sections 130 in the flange
120 (FIG.
12). Slits 128 and weakened sections 130 are substantially in alignment with
the score
lines 126 in the cover 112. As the cover 112 is folded about the score lines
126, the
casing 110 is folded about the weakened sections 130, with the slits 128
serving to
allow for such folding. Depending on the thickness and composition of the
weakened
sections 130, the casing 110 may be actually be broken as the cartridge 94 is
folded.
Further, instead of slits 128, the casing 110 can be made of a material which
is easily
broken and score lines or slots provided to enable breaking of the casing
along the
score lines or slots upon folding of the cartridge 94.
[0160] The mechanism on the cover 112 which will attach the parts 112a, 112b
of the
cover 112 together may be of the Velcro.TM. type whereby part 112a includes a
section
of hook fasteners 132 and part 112b includes a section of loop fasteners 134
positioned
to mate with the hook fastener section 132 when the cover 112 is folded about
the score
lines 126. The size and shape of the hook and loop fastener sections 132,134
can be
varied and adjusted with a view toward obtaining a sufficiently secure bond
between the
* parts 112a, 112b of the cover 112 when the cover 112 is folded about
the score lines
34
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= 55410-56 D2
126.
= [0161] An alternative mechanism would be to arrange a strip of adhesive
on one part
112a with a covering pad so that removal of the covering pad would expose the
adhesive which would then be folded to engage the opposite part 112b.
[0162] Another alternative mechanism is shown in FIGS. 13A-13C and comprises a
tie
136 and a clasp 138 stamped or otherwise integrated into the cover 112'. Cover
112'
also includes an aperture 140 on each part 112a', 112b' which align when the
cover
112' is folded. When the tubing in the cartridge 94' is exhausted, the tie 136
and clasp
138 are removed from the cover 112', the cover 112' is folded about the score
lines 126
and the tie 136 is inserted through the aligning apertures 140 and the clasp
138 is then
attached to the tie 136 to thereby securely keep the cover 112' in a folded
state.
[01631 FIGS. 13D and 13E show a mechanism which eliminates the need to attach
the
parts of the cover 112 to one another in order to seat and close the tubing
34. In this
embodiment, a drawstring 137 is inserted into a channel formed at the rear
edge of the
tubing 34. When the tubing 34 is used up, the drawstring 137 is pulled from
the
cartridge 94 and the exposed loops can be pulled to close the end of the
tubing 34.
[0164] Once the cartridge 94,94' is folded to close and seal the rear end of
the tubing
34, it can be pushed into the hamper 88 through the retention member 92 and
the lid 22
may then be raised to enable placement of a new cartridge 94,94' into the
container 82.
The hamper 88 is emptied when full. The length of tubing 34 in the cartridge
94,94' can
be selected so that the hamper 88 is full when the tubing 34 is exhausted. In
this case,
emptying of the hamper 88 and replacement of the cartridge 94,94' would occur
simultaneously.
[0165] The cartridges 94,94' described above can be used as a substitute for
the
cartridges in any diaper or waste pail using a continuous length of flexible
tubing,
= including those of the Diaper Genie.TM. type and those described herein.
CA 2995853 2018-02-21
= 55410-56D2
10166] The immediately foregoing embodiment provided for the rotation of the
retention
member upon closing of the lid via a movement conversion mechanism. In other
embodiments, the retention member can be rotated by depressing a pushbutton or
a
foot pedal.
[0167] For example, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the rotation
mechanism 96 comprises a pushbutton 142, a motor 144 coupled to the pushbutton
142
and actuated by depression of the pushbutton 142 and a drive gear 146 actuated
by the
motor 144. A part of the pushbutton 142 and the motor 144 are housed in a
compartment 148 formed in a rear of the container 82 with the pushbutton 142
extending through an aperture formed in the upper wall of the rear compartment
148. A
shaft of the motor 144 extends through an aperture in the rear wall of the
waste
receiving chamber in the container 82. The location of the pushbutton 142, and
motor
144, are not limited to that shown in the illustrated embodiment and may be
placed at
other locations in the container 82. For example, the pushbutton 142 can be
placed
along the side of the container 82 or in the lid 22 while the motor 144 can be
placed at
the bottom of the container 82 and an appropriate gear transmission mechanism
provided to transfer the rotation force from the shaft of the motor 144 to the
drive gear
146. Also, it is contemplated that the pushbutton can be replaced by a foot
pedal.
[0168] A timer 150 is optionally coupled to the pushbutton 142 to enable a
delay
between the depression of the pushbutton 142 and the actuation of the motor
144.
[0169] When actuated, the motor 144 rotates a shaft 152 attached to the drive
gear 146
so that the drive gear 146 is rotated. A power mechanism (not shown) is
provided to
supply power to the motor 144, for example, either a battery housing in an
accessible
compartment in the container 82 or a cord extending from the motor through the
rear
compartment 148 to the exterior of the container 82 for insertion into a power
outlet.
[0170] The retention member 154 is seated on a flange 156 formed integral with
the
36
CA 2995853 2018-02-21
' 55410-56D2
=
container 82. Retention member 154 has a planar section 154a from which
springs 72
and vertical walls 154b descend, the vertical walls 154b defining an enclosure
in which
the springs 72 retain the waste package. A ring gear 158 is formed on a lower
surface
of the planar section 154a and includes teeth in meshing engagement with the
drive
gear 146. An alternative retention member can be formed with teeth on an outer
peripheral edge, in the form of a ring gear surrounding the planar portion
154a. This ring
gear would be supported on the flange 156 which would include an opening to
enable
the ring gear to engage with the drive gear 146.
[0171] An insert 160 is arranged above the retention member 154 to hold the
retention
member 154 in position and provide a support for the flanges 108 of the
cartridge 94.
Cartridge 94 also rests on the planar portion 154a of the retention member
154. The
insert 160 includes anti-rotation tabs or ears 162 to prevent rotation of the
cartridge 94
upon rotation of the retention member 154. The insert 160 may be snap fit to
the inner
wall of the container 82.
[0172] In use, a waste package is inserted until it is held by the springs 72
of the
retention member 154, and then depression of the pushbutton 142 causes the
motor
144 to rotate the shaft and drive gear 146 which in turn causes rotation of
the ring gear
158 and thus the entire retention member 154. Rotation of the cartridge 94 is
prevented
by the anti-rotation tabs 162 so that it is held stationary. Rotation of the
retention
member 154 holding the waste package relative to the cartridge 94 causes the
formation of a twist of the tubing 34 above the waste package and thus
encapsulation of
the waste package. An advantage of this embodiment is that the waste package
can be
encapsulated independent of the movement of the lid 22.
[0173] Another embodiment of a waste disposal device wherein the waste
packages are
rotated relative to the cartridge is shown in FIGS. 16-19. In this embodiment,
the
retention member is manually rotated.
[0174] Initially, instead of a hamper 88, a removable pail is used in this
embodiment.
37
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=
=
The removable pail and the necessary structure to enable its use can be
incorporated
into any of the other embodiments described herein. Specifically, to enable
use of the
pail, an access door 164 is formed in the outer wall 84 and pivots about
hinges 166 to
enable selective access to a pail 168 resting on the base 86 in the interior
of the
container 82. The size of the pail 168 is such so as to enable its removal
from and re-
insertion into the container 82 through the access door 164. A closure
mechanism is
provided to secure the access door 164 in a closed position. The closure
mechanism
includes a U-shaped latch 170 arranged on the access door 164 and a projection
172
arranged on the outer surface of the outer wall 84 whereby the latch 170 is
designed to
overlie the projection 172 and thereby secure the access door 164 in its
closed position.
Other closure mechanisms can be used in the invention.
[0175] An annular flange 174 is located inside the container 82 along the
inner surface
of the outer wall 84. Flange 174 can conform to the cross-sectional shape of
the outer
wall 84, which may be cylindrical or otherwise. A removable cartridge 94 is
supported by
or rests on the flange 174 and contains a circumferentially pleated length of
flexible
tubing 34. The cartridge 94 is maintained in a stationary position relative to
the flange
174, for example, by providing anti-rotation tabs on the container (not shown)
to
accommodate the flanges 108 of the cartridge 94.
[0176] Optionally, a funnel in the form of a flexible, resilient membrane 176
is connected
to or constructed together with the flange 174 to support the tubing 34.
Membrane 176
also prevents odors from escaping from the container 82. Such a membrane can
also
be incorporated into the other embodiments disclosed herein, either formed in
connection with the cartridge on the structure on which the cartridge is
seated.
[0177] In this embodiment, the rotation mechanism is integral with the
retention
mechanism. The rotation and retention mechanism 178 thus grasps waste packages
and enables unidirectional rotation of the grasped waste packages relative to
the
cartridge 94 so as to form a twist in the tubing 34 above a waste package 74
which
thereby causes encapsulation of the waste package 74. The cartridge 94 is
maintained
38
CA 2995853 2018-02-21
55410-56D2
in a stationary position while the waste package is rotated.
[0178] The rotation and retention mechanism 178 comprises a vertically
oriented frame
180 including walls defining a waste passage 182, resilient members or tongues
184
connected to the frame 180 and extending inward into the waste passage 182, an
inner
ring 186 connected to the frame 180, a first, movable outer ring 188
surrounding the
inner ring 186, a second, stationary outer ring 190 connected to the outer
wall 84 of the
container 82 and a handle 192 connected to the first outer ring 188 (see FIGS.
18 and
19). The shape, number and form of the tongues 184 is not limiting and other
resilient
retaining members can be used in the invention. Handle 192 passes through a
slot 194
in the outer wall 84 and waste passage 182 aligns with the waste insertion
opening
defined by the cartridge 94.
[0179] To provide for movement of the inner ring 186 and thus rotation of the
frame 180
upon turning of the handle 192, the outer surface of the inner ring 186
includes grooves
and a pin 196 is arranged in connection with the first outer ring 188 (FIG.
18). The
grooves on the inner ring 186 are formed so that the pin 196 engages and is
maintained
in engagement with a single groove during turning of the handle 192 in one
direction
and slides over grooves during turning of the handle 192 in the opposite
direction.
[0180] When the handle 192 is turned in the direction of arrow A, the first
outer ring 142
and connected pin 196 rotate in the same direction causing rotation of the
inner ring 186
and thus the frame 180 connected thereto. On the other hand, when the handle
is
turned in the direction of arrow B, the first outer ring 188 and connected pin
196 rotate
in the same direction but the pin 196 slides over the angled surfaces of the
grooves and
does not frictionally engage therewith. In this case, the frame 180 is further
prevented
from rotating along with the first outer ring 188 by a pin 198 arranged in
connection with
the inner ring 186 and engaging with grooves on the second outer ring 190
(FIG. 19.
The grooves on the second outer ring 190 are formed so that pin 198 slides
over angled
surfaces of the grooves during movement of the frame 180 in the direction of
arrow A.
The frame 180 is thus not moved during turning of the handle 192 in the
direction of
39
CA 2995853 2018-02-21
55410-56D2
arrow B.
[0181] One or more stops 200 are formed on the inner surface of the outer wall
84 of
the container 82 above the rotation and retention mechanism 178 to prevent
upward
movement of the rotation and retention mechanism 178.
[0182] Other arrangements for providing rotation of the frame 180 upon turning
of the
handle 192 in only a single direction can also be used in the invention.
[0183] To prepare the waste disposal device for use, the lid 22 is opened and
a
cartridge 94 is placed onto the flange 174. In use, the lid 22 is opened to
expose the
waste insertion opening 20. A waste package 74 such as a soiled diaper is
placed into
the bag formed by flexible tubing 34 preferably so that the bag is held
against the
resilient tongues 184.
[0184] The handle 192, which is preferably maintained at one end of the slot
194, is
grasped and moved in the slot 194 to cause the frame 180 to turn relative to
the
cartridge 94, which is held stationary, so that a twist forms above the waste
package 74
and encapsulates the waste package 74 (see FIG. 17). Handle 192 can be
repeatedly
moved back and forth in the slot 194 until an adequate twist is formed above
the waste
package. As noted above, the frame 180 will move during movement of the handle
192
in only one direction and not in a reverse direction (so as not to undo the
twist).
[0185] Successive waste packages 74 are inserted into the waste insertion
opening 20,
and so long as that waste package or a preceding waste package is grasped by
the
resilient members 184, movement of the handle 192 will cause formation of a
twist
above that waste package. This procedure continues until the length of
available tubing
34 is exhausted or the pail 168 is full. At this time, the lid 22 is opened
and the cartridge
94 is closed by folding the cartridge 94 onto itself and connecting the hook
and loop
fastener sections 132,134. The cartridge 94 may be pushed through the flange
174 and
the frame 180 into the pail 168.
CA 2995853 2018-02-21
' 55410-56D2
101861 Among the advantages provided by the waste disposal device are the use
of a
cartridge which does not require tying of either the front or rear end of the
tubing and
the presence of a pail, or other comparable removable receptacle, into which
the
encapsulated waste packages fall so as to provide for easy removal of the
series of
encapsulated waste packages.
[0187] The rotation mechanism described above can also be used as a substitute
for
the rotation mechanism in diaper and waste pails in which flexible tubing is
twisted,
including those of the Diaper Genie.TM. type.
[0188] Another embodiment of a waste disposal device wherein the waste
packages are
rotated relative to the cartridge is shown in FIGS_ 20-27 In this embodiment,
the waste
packages are encapsulated by an encapsulation device 202 and compacted by a
compacting mechanism 204.
[0189] The encapsulation device 202 grasps waste packages and enables
unidirectional
rotation of the grasped waste packages relative to the cartridge 94 so as to
form a twist
in the tubing 34 above a waste package which thereby causes encapsulation of
the
waste package. The encapsulation device 202 generally comprises a retention
unit 206
which engages and temporarily holds a waste package and a rotation mechanism
208
for rotating the retention unit 206.
[0190] Retention unit 206 comprises a vertically oriented frame 210 and an
annular gear
ring 212. The frame 210 includes walls defining a passage through which the
waste
article surrounded by a section of the tubing 34 passes, resilient members or
tongues
72 extending inward into the waste passage, and a support flange 214 on which
the
cartridge 94 rests (FIG. 25). The waste passage generally aligns with the
waste
insertion chamber defined by the cartridge 94. The shape, number and form of
the
tongues 72 is not limiting and other resilient retaining members can be used
in the
invention. The frame 210, tongues 72 and support flange 214 may be formed from
a
41
CA 2995853 2018-02-21
' 55410-56D2
=
single piece of molded plastic.
[0191] Annular gear ring 212 may be a separate component from the frame 210
and if
so, a cooperating attachment mechanism is provided to attach the frame 210 to
the
gear ring 212. The cooperating attachment mechanism comprises a plurality of
projections 216 formed on the upper surface of the gear ring 212 and notches
210A
formed on the outer surface of the frame 210. As such, rotation of the gear
ring 212 will
cause rotation of the frame 210. In the alternative, the frame 210 and gear
ring 212
could be formed as an integral component.
[0192] Optionally, a funnel in the form of a flexible, resilient membrane (not
shown) may
be connected to or constructed together with the support flange 214 to support
the
tubing 34. The membrane would also prevent odors from escaping from the
container.
[0193] The gear ring 212 includes an annular slot between an upper circular
rim 220
and a lower circular gear rim 222 whereby a flange 242 formed on the container
is
inserted into the slot 218 to retain the gear ring 212 in connection with the
container 82
while permitting rotation of the gear ring 212 relative to the container 82.
Gear rim 222
includes a series of teeth. As shown in FIG. 26, the upper rim 220 and the
gear rim 222
can be formed as separate components and provided with appropriate attachment
mechanisms, for example, projections 220A on the lower surface of the upper
rim 220
and notches 222A on the inner surface of the gear rim 222. The gear rim 222
can thus
be used with different cartridges by providing different upper rims 220, each
adapted to
mate with a particular cartridge. The only constant is the gear rim 222 which
has to
engage the gear 228 in order to provide for rotation of the cartridge (as in
FIG. 26) or
retention mechanism (as in FIG. 25). That is, by using the two-part gear rim
212,
different frames 210 can be used with each frame having a mating upper rim 220
with
the upper rims 220 all being matable to the common gear rim 222.
[0194] The rotation mechanism 208 can take a variety of different forms. The
objective
of the rotation mechanism 208 is to rotate the gear rim 222 of the gear ring
212 either
42
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=
upon direct manual activity (such as by depressing a foot pedal (FIG. 20), a
pushbutton
(FIGS. 21 and 22 or the like), upon indirect manual activity (such as by
closing the lid
22) or automatically (such as by sensing insertion of a waste package or
closure of the
lid 22 and thus the need to encapsulate the waste package).
[0195] One embodiment of a rotation mechanism which is based on direct manual
activity is shown in FIG. 20. The rotation mechanism 208 comprises a motor 224
which
rotates a shaft 226 having a gear 228 at an upper end. Gear 228 is in meshed
engagement with gear rim 222 so that rotation of the shaft 226 is translated
into
rotational movement of the retention unit 206. Gear 228 may be formed integral
with the
shaft 226. The gear rim 222 and gear 228 may be beveled, i.e., have their
teeth inclined
in relation to upper and/or lower planes. Also, it is possible to use other
types of
meshing gears and couplings in order to translate the rotational movement of
the shaft
226 into rotational movement of the retention unit 206 via the coupling
between the
shaft 226 and the gear 228.
[0196] The motor 224, shaft 226 and gear 228 are arranged in the rear
compartment
146 of the container 82. A slot 230 is formed at an upper end of a peripheral
wall 146a
defining the compartment 146 to enable the gear rim 222 to enter into the
compartment
146 and engage the gear 228. In the alternative, it is possible to construct
the wall 146a
so that the gear 228 extends through the slot 230 and engagement between the
gear
rim 222 and gear 228 occurs outside of the compartment 146.
[0197] A motor actuation mechanism is arranged on the container to actuate the
motor
224. One embodiment of a motor actuation mechanism is shown in FIG. 20 and
comprises a foot pedal 232 electrically coupled to the motor 224 (the
electrical
connections between an external power source, the foot pedal 232 and the motor
224
being represented by dotted lines) so that depression of the foot pedal 232
causes
actuation of the motor 224 and attendant rotation of the retention unit 206
and the
formation of a twist above a waste package being grasped by the retention unit
206 so
as to encapsulate the waste package. Instead of an external power source, an
internal
43
CA 2995853 2018-02-21
' 55410-56D2
power source, e.g., a battery 224A, can be positioned in the compartment 146
to
provide power to actuate the motor 224 (see FIG. 22). In this case,
compartment 146 is
made accessible by providing an access door 82A.
[0198) Another embodiment of a motor actuation mechanism, which is designed to
operate based on opening and/or closing of the lid 22, is shown in FIGS. 21
and 22 and
comprises a switch or sensor 234 arranged on the flange 242 and a plunger 236
arranged on the lid 22 so that the plunger 236 contacts the switch 234 when
the lid 22 is
closed. The switch 234 is electrically coupled to the motor 224 and when
pressed
downward by the plunger 236, causes actuation of the motor 224. The plunger
236 is
biased upward by a spring 238 to return it to its original position after
being depressed.
It is also possible to construct the switch 234 to automatically actuate the
motor 224
upon contact with the plunger 236 in which case, the plunger 236 would be
fixed in the
lid 22 and immediately upon closure of the lid 22 when the switch 234 is
contacted by
the plunger 236, the switch 234 would actuate the motor 224.
[01991 An optional timer could be coupled to the switch 234 or motor 224 to
delay the
actuation of the motor 224 for a set period of time after depression of the
plunger 236 or
closure of the lid 22. In this case, the switch or sensor 234 would detect
when the lid 22
is closed and send a signal to the timer. The timer then sends a signal to the
motor 224
after the set period of time to actuate the motor 224. An appropriate sensor
can be
provided to detect whether a waste package has been inserted into the waste
passage
defined by the retention unit 206 so as to prevent unnecessary rotation of the
retention
unit 206 and waste of the tubing 34.
[0200) In this embodiment, it is advantageous that actuation of the motor 224
and the
consequent rotation of the retention unit 206 and encapsulation of a waste
package
being grasped by the retention unit 206 is automatic upon closure of the lid
22 and does
not require any additional manual activity, thereby eliminating the problem of
the user
forgetting to actuate the motor 224 and causing the release of odors from an
unencapsulated waste package.
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[0201] The location of the switch 234 and plunger 236 are not limiting and
they may be
arranged at other locations. Further, a manually-actuatable switch can be
provided
along the outer wall of the container and electrically coupled to the motor so
that
depression of the switch causes actuation of the motor. As such, actuation of
the motor
can occur without dependency on the closure of the cover. This might be useful
when
the encapsulation of a waste package is not entirely effective and an
additional twisting
of the tubing is desired.
[0202] Another embodiment of a rotation mechanism includes a manually actuated
lever
which in is coupled to the retention unit 206 and enables rotation of the
retention unit
206 upon movement of the lever, in either a unidirectional movement or in both
a back
and forth movement. It is also possible to provide a crank coupled to the
retention unit
206 in such a manner that when the crank is pushed downward and released, the
retention unit rotates. The retention unit 206 may be arranged to rotate upon
either the
downward movement of the crank, the return upward movement or both. Such a
crank
is known, for example, in the toy art.
[0203] As described above, the cartridge 94 is a unique cartridge. However, it
is
envisioned that the waste disposal device shown in FIGS. 20-22 can be used for
other
cartridges containing flexible tubing and designed for use in a waste-
encapsulation type
of disposal device. Such cartridges would be placed on the support flange 214.
The
support flange 214 and lid 22 would be appropriately spaced from one another
to
provide sufficient space to accommodate a multitude of different cartridges.
[0204] Since the cartridges would be supported on the support flange 214, they
could
rotate along with the support flange 214. It is preferable though to provide a
mechanism
for fixing the cartridge in a stationary position relative to the retention
unit 206 to provide
for a better twisting of the tubing 34 upon rotation of the retention unit
206.
[0205] To this end, as shown in FIG. 26, the gear ring 212 could serve as an
adapter to
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secure a conventional cartridge 244 through engagement between the projections
216
formed on the upper circular rim 220 of the gear ring 212 and notches 210A
formed on
the outer surface of the cartridge 244. Some conventional cartridges include
notches
which arise during the manufacturing process of the cartridge. The presence of
these
notches is therefore exploited in the invention to enabling attachment of the
conventional cartridge to the gear ring 212. The gear ring 212 is therefore
provided with
the projections in locations which correspond to the locations of the notches
on the
conventional cartridges 244. By connecting the cartridge 244 to the gear ring
212,
rotation of the gear rim 222 of the gear ring 212 causes rotation of the
cartridge 244.
0206] Another form of an adapter to enable use of the rotation mechanism 208
with
conventional cartridges would be to form the adapter as an annular ring with a
size to
provide a snug fit for the conventional cartridge.
[0207] The compacting mechanism 204 comprises a shaft 246 rotated by the motor
224
and connected to or formed integral with a tube 248 positioned in the waste
package-
receiving portion of the container 82. The optimum location of the tube 248
relative to
the base 86 of the container 82 and retention unit 206 may be determined by
experimenting with the particular waste product to be encapsulated but would
usually be
about halfway between the base 86 and the retention unit 206.
[0208) Access door 240 includes a projection 252 which frictionally engages an
inner
surface of the tube 248 when the door is closed so that the tube 248 is
supported at
both ends.
[0209] The tubing 34 is removably connected to the tube 248 so that rotation
of the tube
248 causes the tubing 34 to be pulled downward and wound around the tube 248.
Connection of the tubing 34 to the tube 248 can be accomplished in a variety
of ways,
for example, by forming the tubing 34 with an enlarged heat-sealed end 34A
(having a
shape smaller than the size of a slot 256 formed in the tube 248) and
inserting the end
into the interior of the tube 248 when the access door is open or by arranging
a clip at
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the end of the tubing 34 and inserting the clip into the interior of the tube
248 when the
access door is open. The tubing 34 can also be tied to the tube 248. Since the
tubing 34
is entrained in connection with the tube 248, the encapsulated waste packages
are
compacted into a roll as the tube 248 is rotated upon each subsequent
insertion of a
waste package into the device (see FIG. 24). The encapsulated waste packages
are
prevented from upward movement by the formation of the twist above each
encapsulated waste package. Removal of the tubing from engagement with the
tube
248 would entail pulling the forward end of the tubing 34 out of the slot 256.
The slot
256 would typically extend only over a longitudinal portion of the tube and
not the entire
tube.
[0210] The tube 248 includes, in addition to the slot 256, ridges 258 which
may be
diametrically opposed or evenly spaced around the circumference of the tube
248. This
enables the construction and use of disposable sleeves 262 having ridges 264
defining
inner grooves in which the ridges 258 of the tube 248 are received (see FIG.
23A). A
sleeve 262 is placed on the tube 248 and the tubing 34 is connected to the
sleeve 262,
for example, during manufacture or thereafter by tying, adhesive or the like.
Removal of
the roll of waste packages would entail sliding the sleeve 262 off of the tube
248. The
cartridges 94 could thus be sold together with a sleeve 262, a forward end of
the tubing
34 being attached to the sleeve 262 while a rearward end of the tubing 34 is
attached to
the cartridge 94.
[0211] In this embodiment, when the motor 224 is actuated, two different
operations are
performed. First, the shaft 226 from the motor 224 is rotated in the direction
of arrow A
to cause the retention unit 206 to rotate in the direction of arrow B (via the
engagement
of gear 228 with the gear rim 222) while the retention unit 206 is grasping a
waste
package relative to the cartridge 94 to form a twist above the waste package
(see FIG.
23A). Second, the tube 248 is rotated in the direction of arrow C with the
tubing 34
connected thereto to cause the tubing 34, with one or more encapsulated waste
packages being situated between the tube 248 and the retention unit 206 and
not yet in
the roll of waste packages, to be pulled downward and around the tube 248 to
compact
47
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the waste packages into a roll. Actuation of the motor 224 can be effected in
the ways
noted above. Separate motors can be provided for the rotation mechanism for
the
retention unit 206 the rotation mechanism for the tube 248.
[0212] When the container is full, the access door 240 can be opened, the
tubing 34 cut
at a point above the uppermost encapsulated waste package, the tubing tied and
then
the roll of compacted waste packages slid off of the tube 248.
[0213] Instead of having a shaft 226 extending directly from the motor 224, it
is possible
to provide a gear transmission assembly between the motor 224 and the gear rim
222
as shown in FIG. 23B. The gear transmission assembly 241 comprises several
gears in
meshed engagement with one gear being in meshed engagement with a gear rotated
directly by the motor 224, a shaft 243 is connected to another gear 245 and a
drive gear
247 in meshed engagement with the drive gear 245 and the gear rim 222. The
gear
transmission assembly can be designed to increase the rotational force
provided by the
motor 224.
[0214] These embodiments would be particularly advantageous for medical waste
requiring special disposal, e.g., infectious or bodily waste from doctor's
offices, which is
generally not compacted even though it is very suitable for compacting. The
cost of
disposing of medical waste from doctor's offices is typically based on the
number of
pick-ups regardless of the amount of material, and if the medical waste could
be
compacted, it would result in fewer, less frequent pick-ups.
[0215] It is envisioned that an attachment for a pail can also be fabricated
from the
components above. That is, the lid 22 and encapsulation device 202, i.e., the
retention
unit 206 and rotation mechanism 208, and the compacting mechanism 204 can be
fabricated as a unit for enabling attachment to a particular size or sizes of
pails (with an
adapter, as needed). Once attached to the pail, upon insertion of a cartridge,
a waste
disposal device is obtained. In this case, an internal power source (i.e., the
motor) for
the rotation mechanism 208 would be used.
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[0216] To prepare the waste disposal device shown in FIG. 20, the lid 22 is
opened and
a cartridge 94 is placed onto the support flange 214. For use, the lid 22 is
opened to
expose the waste insertion opening. A waste package 74 is placed into the bag
formed
by flexible tubing 34 preferably so that the bag is held against the resilient
springs 72.
The lid 22 is closed and the foot pedal 232 is depressed to cause actuation of
the motor
224, either immediately or after a set period of time if a timer is present.
The shafts 226,
246 rotate causing rotation of the gear 228 which in turn causes rotation of
retention unit
206 relative to the cartridge 94, which is held stationary by the positioning
of flanges
108 on the cartridge 94 between anti-rotation tabs 106 on the container, so
that a twist
forms above the waste package 74 and encapsulates the waste package 74.
[0217] Successive waste packages 74 are inserted into the waste insertion
opening,
and so long as that waste package or a preceding waste package is grasped by
the
resilient springs 72, rotation of the retention unit 204 will cause formation
of a twist
above that waste package. This procedure continues until the length of
available tubing
34 is exhausted or the container 82 is full.
[0218] A region proximate and optionally including the end of the tubing 34
may be
colored differently than a remainder of the tubing 34 to provide an indication
when the
end of the tubing 34 is approaching.
[0219] The tubing 34 can be provided with lines of depressions 34a (see FIG.
27) at
spaced intervals to enable the tubing 34 to be easily cut by tearing along the
lines of
depressions 34a. This would be beneficial for the instances where the waste
chamber is
full while an amount of tubing 34 remains in the cartridge. The tubing 34 is
torn off at a
depression line and the free end of the tubing may then be tied to form a
closed,
forward end or the free end can be inserted into the slot 256 in the tube 248.
[0220] In order to prevent release of odors from encapsulated waste packages,
the
depressions 34a extend only partially through the thickness of the tubing 34.
In this
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manner, even if a waste package was placed along a line of depressions, odors
from
the waste package would not be released through the depressions 34a.
[0221] In the event that the tubing is exhausted, the lid 22 is opened and the
cartridge
94 is closed by folding the cartridge 94 onto itself and connecting the cover
attachment
mechanism, e.g., the hook and loop fastener sections 132,134. The cartridge 94
may be
pushed through the support flange 214 and the frame 210 into the container 82.
[0222] Although the embodiment in FIGS. 20-22 provide for the formation of a
twist by
the rotation of the retention unit relative to the cartridge 94 in order to
encapsulate the
waste packages 74 and the compacting of the series of waste packages 74 thus-
formed, it is possible to provide only the compacting mechanism 204 without
any
rotation of the cartridge 94 or retention unit.
[0223] For example, the cartridge 94 and gear ring 212 assembly shown in FIG.
26 can
be used with a compacting mechanism 204 without any retention structure. The
retention of the waste packages is provided by the compacting mechanism 204,
i.e., by
the construction of the tube 248 to fixedly retain the forward end of the
tubing 34. In use,
the waste package is pushed into the tubing 34 and then the motor 224 is
actuated, in
any of the ways discussed herein. The motor 224 causes the shaft 226 to rotate
and the
gear 228 to rotate so that the gear rim 222 of the gear ring 212 is rotated.
The rotation
of the gear ring 212 causes rotation of the cartridge 244 attached thereto. A
twist forms
above the waste package upon the rotation of the cartridge 244 since the end
of the
tubing 34 in front of the waste package is held by the tube 248 and cannot
rotate. Thus,
in this embodiment, for each waste package, there is relative rotation between
a portion
of the tubing 34 above the waste package and a portion of the tubing 34 below
the
waste package, with this relative rotation enabling the formation of a twist
and thus
encapsulation of the waste package.
[0224] Another embodiment of an encapsulation device is shown in FIG. 28 and
designated 202'. Encapsulation device 202' comprises a retention unit 206'
which
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engages and temporarily holds a waste package and a rotation mechanism 208'
for
rotating the retention unit 206'. The retention unit 206' is similar to
retention unit 206
except that instead of an annular gear ring, it includes a pulley 266
connected to or
formed integral with the frame 210. The rotation mechanism 208' includes a
pair of
guide pulleys 268 mounted to the container 82 and a pulley 270 attached to the
shaft
246 or to the tube 248. A cable belt 272 passes over pulleys 266, 268, 270 and
frictionally engages at least pulleys 266 and 270 such that movement is
imparted to the
pulley 270 by the rotation of the shaft 246 and/or tube 248 caused by the
motor 224
which movement is transferred to the pulley 266 via the cable belt 272 to
cause rotation
of pulley 266. Rotation of pulley 266 causes rotation of the retention unit
206 connected
thereto.
[0225] The retention unit 206' is rotatably mounted to the container, for
example, by
providing an annular slot which receives a flange formed on the inner wall of
the
container.
[0226] Another embodiment of a waste disposal device wherein the waste
packages are
rotated relative to the cartridge is shown in FIGS. 29-35 In this embodiment,
the waste
packages 74 are held by a retention unit 206, similar to the one shown in FIG.
25, which
is rotated while the cartridge 94 of tubing 34 is held stationary. Also, anti-
rotation tabs
106 are formed on the container 82 to prevent rotation of the cartridge 94
upon rotation
of the retention unit 206.
[0227] A rotation mechanism 286 is provided for enabling rotation of the
retention
member 274 upon depressing a pedal 288 while preventing rotation of the
retention
member 274 when the pedal 288 returns to its original upper position. The
pedal 288 is
movable in a slot 290 formed in the wall of the container 82. The rotation
mechanism
286 comprises a pulley 292 arranged inside the container 82 and which is
rotatably
attached to the pedal 288. A cable 294 runs over this pulley 292 and has a
first end
anchored to an anchor member 296 attached to a flange 298 of the container.
The
second end of this cable 294 is attached to a rotatable shaft 300 and a
portion of the
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cable 294 is wound around the shaft 300. A gear 302 is mounted on the shaft
300 and =
is in meshed engagement with a gear portion 304 of a clutch member 306 mounted
about a drive spindle 308 attached to the flange 298. A drive gear 310 is
fixedly
mounted on this drive spindle 308 and is in meshed engagement with an idler
gear 312
which in turn is in meshed engagement with the gear rim 222.
[0228] The rotation mechanism 286 further comprises a spring clutch 314
arranged in
the clutch member 306 to grab the drive spindle 308 during counterclockwise
rotation of
the clutch member 306, so that the clutch member 306 rotates along with the
drive
spindle 308 and the drive gear 310, and releases the drive spindle 308 during
clockwise
rotation, so that the clutch member 306 does not engage with the drive spindle
308 and
does not rotate the drive spindle nor the drive gear 310. The spring clutch
314 is
attached by a pin 316 to the clutch member 306.
[0229] To cause rotation of the clutch member 306 in the clockwise direction,
i.e., to
cause the cable 294 to wind around the shaft 300 and thus the pedal 288 to be
moved
upward, a return spring 318 is connected at one end to a shaft 320 mounted on
the
flange 298 and at an opposite end to the clutch member 306.
[0230] In operation, when the pedal 288 is moved downward, the cable 294
unwinds
from the shaft 300 causing rotation of the gear 302 and the clutch member 306,
since
the spring clutch 314 grabs the drive spindle 308. Rotation of the clutch
member 306
causes rotation of the drive gear 310 which in turn causes rotation of the
idler gear 312
and finally rotation of the gear rim 222 so that the retention unit 206
connected to the
gear rim 222 rotates. The rotation of the clutch member 306 is against the
bias of the
return spring 318. As such, when the pressure exerted on the pedal 288 is
removed, the
return spring 318 causes rotation of the clutch member 306 in an opposite
direction,
clockwise in the illustrated embodiment, so that the gear 302 rotates
counterclockwise
causing the cable 294 to be wound about the shaft 300 and the pedal 288 to be
raised.
The drive gear 310 is not rotated during the rotation of the clutch member 306
in view of
the disengagement of the spring clutch 314 from the drive spindle 308, with
the result
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that the retention unit 206 is not rotated.
[0231] Another embodiment of a waste disposal device wherein the waste
packages are
rotated relative to the cartridge is shown in FIGS. 3642. In this embodiment,
a pail 320
is rotated while it holds the waste packages. To this end, the pail 320
includes a
retention member 322 extending upward from the base of the pail 320 and having
sections designed to hold the first waste package between the retention member
322
and the walls of the pail 320. Although the retention member 320 is shown
having an X-
shaped, other shapes are contemplated within the scope of the invention.
[0232] The container 82 houses a turntable 324 rotatable about a shaft 326
attached to
the base of the container and a rotation mechanism 328 for rotating the
turntable 324.
The turntable 324 is arranged below the pail 320 and includes a spool section
330 on
which a string is wound, a cylindrical shaft section 332 extending upward from
the spool
section 330 and an annular plate 334 surrounding the shaft section 332. The
spool
section 330 and shaft section 332 surround the shaft 326 attached to the
container 82 to
enable rotation of the turntable 324 relative to the container 82.
[0233] A biasing mechanism, such as a plurality of springs 336, is arranged
between the
plate 334 and the spool section 330 to bias the plate 334 upward. The springs
336 are
arranged around annular seats 338 formed on the lower surface of the plate 334
which
accommodate projections 340 arranged on the spool section 330. Another spring
342 is
arranged around the shaft 326 between the spool section 330 and the plate 334.
A lip
344 is arranged at the top of the shaft section 332 to limit the upward
movement of the
plate 334.
[0234] One end of a string 346 is connected to the spool section 330 of the
turntable
324 and the spring 346 is wound around the turntable 324 with the opposite end
of the
string 346 being connected to a pull ring 348 situated outside of the
container. Pull ring
348 rests on a flange 350 formed integral with the container 82. A pulley 352
is also
attached to the container 82 to guide the string 346 into the container 82 to
the spool
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section 330 of the turntable 324. As such, pulling of the pull ring 348 will
cause rotation
of the turntable 324 in one direction. The turntable 324 is returned to its
original position
by a torsion spring 354 connected to the turntable 324.
[0235] A mechanism is provided to enable unidirectional rotation of the pail
320 upon
rotation of the turntable 324, i.e., so that the pail 320 is rotated by the
turntable 324
upon rotation of the turntable.324 in one direction and not the opposite
direction. To this
end, the turntable 324 is provided with a plurality of ramped ribs 356 on an
upper
surface while the bottom surface of the pail 320 is provided with
corresponding ramped
depressions 358. The pail 320 can be positioned onto the turntable 324 so that
the
ramped ribs 356 are present in the ramped depressions 358 (FIG. 39) or if the
ramped
ribs 356 are not present in the ramped depressions 358, then the ramped ribs
356 will
be urged into the ramped depressions 358 by the springs 334,342 when the pull
ring
348 is pulled (see FIG. 41) so that the pail 320 is rotated upon rotation of
the turntable
324 in one direction. Release of the pull ring 348 allows rotation of the
turntable 324 in
the opposite direction and the ramped ribs 356 disengage from the ramped
depressions
358 in the pail 320, against the bias of the springs 334,342, (see FIG. 44 so
that the pail
320 does not rotate with the turntable 324. Prevention of rotation of the pail
320 is
assisted by friction between the bottom of the pail 320 and a retaining wall
360 of the
container surrounding the turntable 324.
[0236] In this embodiment, ribs 362 project from the inner surface of the wall
of the
container 82 to prevent upward movement of the pail 320 and centering ribs 364
project
from the inner surface of the wall of the container 82 to center the pail 320
in a position
in which the ramped depressions 358 can be engaged by the ramped ribs 356 of
the
turntable 324. Also, the cartridge 94 is seated on a flange 366 formed
integral with the
container 82 and held against rotation by anti-rotation tabs 106 or the like
as described
above
[0237] In use, the lid 22 is opened and the first waste package is pushed into
the pail
320 and positioned between the retention member 322 and the sides of the pail
320 so
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that it is held in that position. The lid is closed and the pull ring 348 is
pulled causing the
turntable 324 to rotate with the effect that since the ramped ribs 356 are
pressed into
the ramped depressions 358 on the pail 320, the pail 320 is rotated. Since the
cartridge
94 is held stationary by the anti-rotation tabs, a twist is formed in the
tubing 34 above
the waste package. When the pull ring 348 is released, the turntable 324
rotates in the
opposite direction but since the ramped ribs 356 disengage from the ramped
depressions 358, in view of the direction of the incline of the ramped ribs
356 and
ramped depressions 358, the pail 320 does not rotate along with the turntable
324.
Upon the insertion of a subsequent waste package into the pail 320, the pull
ring 348 is
again pulled and since the first waste package is held, both waste packages
are rotated
upon rotation of the pail 320 causing the formation of a twist above the
subsequent
waste package. This process continues until the pail 320 is full at which
time, the tubing
is cut, the pail 320 is removed, emptied and then reinserted into the
container 82. The
end of the tubing 34 is tied and the process continues.
102381Another embodiment of a waste disposal device is shown in Figure 43. The
waste disposal device, comprises a rotatable cartridge 370; and a rotation
mechanism
380 having at least two opposingly aligned movable rollers 383 and 385. The
rollers are
engagingly configured to cause the cartridge to rotate upon activation of the
rotation
mechanism. The waste disposal device further comprises a cylindrical container
360
having a flange 390 formed along the cylindrical inner wall 405 of the
container. The
rotatable cartridge 370 comprises, a cylindrical shape having an outside wall
400 and is
supported by flange 390. The rotation mechanism extends between the inner wall
of the
container and the outer wall of the rotatable cartridge, and is operatively
configured to
support a first roller 383 of the rollers against the outside wall 400 of the
rotatable
cartridge 370. The second roller 385 of the two rollers is positioned opposing
the first
roller 383 on the opposite side of the rotatable cartridge. The second roller
is operatively
configured to press against the outside wall of the rotatable cartridge. Upon
actuation,
the rotation mechanism rotates first roller 383 thereby rotating the rotatable
cartridge
against the second roller 385. In one aspect of the present invention, the
rollers are
positioned on the flange supporting the cartridge. In another aspect, the
rollers form a
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component of the rotation mechanism
[0239] An embodiment of an integrated cutting systems for a waste storage
receptacle
is shown in Figure 43'. The waste storage receptacle has a body 360', a collar
370', a
lid 380' and a storage film cartridge 390' adapted to be positioned in the
collar, the
cartridge having a continuous length of storage film 400' therein. The
integrated cutting
system comprises an activation mechanism 410' operatively configured to
alternatively
engage a cutting device 430' or a film sealing device 435' capable of
twistably sealing
the film 400' of the cartridge when the film is dispensed from cartridge 390'.
Further, a
selection mechanism 420' is arranged to control the activation mechanism to
either
engage the cutting device 430' while deactivating the film sealing device, or
to engage
the film sealing device 435' while deactivating the cutting device. The
cutting device
430' comprises a blade positioned to sever said film from said cartridge. In
one aspect
of the present embodiment, a handle 440' is operably connected to lid 380',
wherein the
operation of the handle engages the selection mechanism 420'. In another
aspect a
push-button 450' is operably connected to lid 380', wherein the operation of
the push-
button engages the selection mechanism 420'. The push-button is activated
electrically.
In another aspect, a foot-pedal (not shown) is operably connected to the lid,
wherein the
operation of the foot-pedal engages the selection mechanism. The sealing
device
comprises heated rollers to fuse the storage filmi wherein the heat sealing
rollers are
configured to seal the flexible tubing below the cartridge.
[0240] Another embodiment of a waste disposal device is shown in Figure 43A.
The
waste disposal device comprises a container 359A defining a waste chamber for
receiving encapsulated waste 360A. A lid 370A, capable of moving between an
open
and closed position is coupled to the device on the container. A rotatable
cartridge 380A
in the container comprises a length of flexible tubing 385k A rotation
mechanism 390A
is operatively configured to engage the rotatable cartridge. A sensing
mechanism 400A
is operatively configured to allow for delay in the rotation of the cartridge
by the rotation
mechanism until the lid is in the closed position. The rotatable cartridge is
supported by
a flange 375A formed along the cylindrical inside wall of the container. The
rotation
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=
mechanism 390A enables the movement of the lid to be converted into rotation
of the
cartridge. The sensing mechanism 400A comprising a switch is attached to the
flange.
In one aspect of the present invention, the sensing mechanism is operatively
configured
to communicate with a plunger 377A formed on lid 370A, wherein the plunger
contacts
the switch upon closing of the lid, thereby automatically actuating a timer
coupled to the
rotation mechanism. The timer delays the rotation of the rotatable cartridge
until a set
period of time has elapsed after the lid is closed. In another aspect of the
present
invention, the sensing mechanism further comprises a sensor operatively
configured to
detect the insertion of encapsulated waste 360A into the waste chamber. The
waste
disposal device further comprises an anti-twisting mechanism in the form of a
bar 365A.
The waste disposal device also comprises a window 395A for viewing the amount
of
accumulated waste package 360A in the waste chamber of container 359A.
[0241] An embodiment of a cartridge for a waste disposal device 360B is shown
in FIG.
438. The cartridge 3708 houses a length of flexible tubing 380B foldingly
stacked
therein and configured to permit dispensing of the flexible tubing to a
predetermined
length, wherein the flexible tubing is scored 39013 periodically at
predetermined intervals
for ease of tearing during disposal of waste packages 400B. Cartridge 370B
comprises
a cylindrical wall 371B, a lower wall 3738, an inner wall 375B and an upper
wall 3778,
which together define a ring-shaped cavity 379B for receiving flexible tubing
380B. The
inner wall 37513 comprises an annular flange 410B over which the flexible
tubing passes
through an opening into a waste insertion chamber of the waste disposal
device. In one
aspect of the present invention, the lower surface of the inner wall of the
cartridge
comprises serrations 4208 formed at periodically predetermined l intervals.
The cartridge
is operationally configured to communicate with a movable handle 430B formed
over
the waste disposal device. The movable handle is adapted to push the cartridge
in a
downward direction. In another aspect of the invention, the movable handle is
adapted
to rotate the cartridge. Upon rotatably downward movement of the handle about
a
circular opening formed opposite the serrations 420B of the inner wall of
cartridge 370B,
portions of the flexible tubing is scored and severed. In another aspect, the
cartridge .
comprises a mechanism for scoring the flexible tubing in variable lengths as
needed.
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CA 2995853 2018-02-21
55410-5602
[0242] While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and
described, it will be
obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made
without departing
from the invention in its broader aspects, and, therefore, the aim in the
appended claims is to
cover all such changes and modifications.
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CA 2995853 2018-02-21
